What is Organic Loose Leaf Tea

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These days, the word organic is attached to so many things and it is hard to determine how something is classified as such. There are standards put in place by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), such as the Organic Food Production Act (OFPA) and the National Organic Program (NOP) that ensure products meet certain regulations to be labeled as organic. Part of the regulations require that farms that are producing and labeling loose leaf tea as organic must not use sewage sludge, genetic engineering, or ionizing radiation during production. Crops that will be certified organic cannot be treated with pesticides, petroleum based fertilizers or sewer sludge-based fertilizer.

There are also different labels that are applied to organic products. Products with a "100% Organic" label have to be made up of ingredients that are only organically produced. Some products are labeled "Organic" and those have to contain ingredients that are at least 95% organically produced. There are products that are labeled "Made with Organic Ingredients"; however, these are processed products that must have ingredients that are at least 70% organic.

How do these regulations affect products being imported from other countries?

Under the OFPA regulations, the USDA is required to research the ways that imported products are produced, or in other words, what certification programs a particular country uses to classify products as organic. The USDA requires that a certifying agent from a foreign country apply for certification to import their products to the United States; or foreign countries can apply for accreditation under the NOP guidelines with final approval coming from the USDA. Regardless of the avenue of certification, imported products must meet organic standards set out by the USDA.

How does all of this pertain to organic loose leaf tea?

It is always important for a tea purchaser to pay attention to labels, ingredients, and product descriptions to be assured that you are getting a truly organically processed loose leaf tea. Most tea is grown outside of the United States, in countries such as China and India, and these foreign countries almost always apply for certification to comply with USDA organic standards; however, a consumer should still pay attention to where and how their tea was grown and produced. Although certification can be expensive or some smaller tea farmers just aren't aware of the process; the United States is making an effort to inform and educate tea farmers of the economic and ecological benefits or growing tea organically.

What is the growing and production process for organic teas?

One of the main goals of producing organic loose leaf tea is to maintain the natural habitat where the tea is grown without adding chemicals or other pollutants to the water, soil, and air; yet, cultivating sustainable tea production. There are no pesticides, concentrated fertilizers, or synthesized chemicals used in the growth of the tea plants. The area in which the organic tea is grown should be isolated and free from any pollutants or the risk of any contaminants streaming into the growth area. The water source must also be free from pollutants and contaminants.

Other measures that are followed during growth are manuring to restore nutrients that are depleted during the growth process, shading that is essential to maintain temperature and humidity in the area, weeding is done by hand, and pest and disease management is used only as a preventative measure by using a non-toxic biological method and using resistant clones.

After harvest, there are certain procedures that must be followed to maintain the organic status. When organic loose leaf tea is being processed, it should be done so in a factory that is only used for organic processing. Once packaged, the organic tea is stored in its own area that is free from fumigation and insecticides. The product should also be packed the same day it is processed and placed in plywood boxes or using biodegradable packing materials, and clearly marked as organic. Once the tea is ready to be shipped, it is transported by itself and not exposed to conventionally processed tea.

By choosing to purchase only organic loose leaf tea, you are treating yourself and your body to a healthy experience and a high quality and great tasting tea. Some of the best organic loose tea can be bought online at LoveTea.com.

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