Passion and vision for tea

Assam is a state in the northeast of India with the largest contiguous cultivation area comprising some 660 tea plantations on either side of the mighty Brahmaputra River at elevations between 300 and 800 metres. Assam is the second “true” homeland of tea besides China. Fertile forest floors and the hot and humid tropical climate provide ideal conditions for tea plants.

The taste, colour, aroma and strength of the tea vary depending on the soil conditions. Assam tea generally has a strong aromatic and malty taste. It is also appreciated by tea drinkers who prefer their tea with rock sugar and cream.
 

Darjeeling tea belongs to the most exquisite tea varieties, which is why it is considered the “champagne” among teas. The centre of tea cultivation on the southern slopes of the Himalayas surrounds the city of Darjeeling. The tea gardens range in elevation from 800 to 2,200 metres, but the premium grades of tea are produced only in the highest altitudes.

Clear mountain air and the intense sunlight produce fine, elegant teas. The region is known for the first flush in spring, second flush in summer and autumnals late in the season. 

The island of Ceylon has been known as Sri Lanka since 1972. But when we speak of tea, the old name of the island is still used. Ceylon tea is grown at an altitude of 500 to 2,000 metres and picked at different times depending on the monsoon rains. Harvesting takes place from July to September in the eastern Uva district and from January through March in the western Dimbula region. 

Ceylon tea has a medium-bodied, citrusy taste with fresh and pleasantly bitter notes. 

In China tea is offered to guests as a welcoming drink and is a must for any (special) occasion. It is said to foster friendship and the exchange of ideas. China is known not only for its green and partly fermented teas but also for its black teas. Keemun is the most famous black tea variety. It contains few tannins and is therefore a light aromatic tea with a slightly sweet taste. 

The Lapsang Souchong variety has a rather smoky flavour. Traditionally sugar, milk or other ingredients are not added to tea in China. ​​​​​​​

Traditionally, some of the finest teas in the world come from Japan. Japanese tea culture has produced true masterpieces when it comes to green tea. Key factors for this are a long tradition and unique production methods.  


The tea farmers have learned from their parents how to properly care for the tea plants, where to cultivate the tea gardens, the right time to harvest and the associated picking and processing techniques. This knowledge is based on experience and has been passed down for generations. Moreover, the geographical conditions here are ideal for growing excellent tea:

• Clean mountain air
• Mineral-rich spring water
• Fertile soil 
• High humidity 
• A perfect climate 

Join Ronnefeldt on a special expedition as we explore a fascinating country located between the Andes Mountains and the Amazon rainforests. Although Colombia may be much better known for cultivating coffee and cocoa, the cloud forests in the northwest are home to a small, yet fine tea region. Tea has been cultivated in Colombia since the 1950s, but the tea garden Bitaco® has been producing unique teas since 2013, most of them in organic quality and with an amazing flavour – like a touch of nature, adventure and freedom.

The partnership of the tea experts at Ronnefeldt and the Colombian tea garden stems from our fascination with this new discovery. The garden is especially known for its high-quality black tea cultivated according to traditional methods and produced largely by hand. Tea connoisseurs from around the world appreciate the mild sweetness and light honey note of these full-bodied teas.

Whether mono herbs or finely balanced herbal blends carefully and imaginatively composed with plants from controlled farming: Our tea tasters visit more than just the herb gardens in our own backyard. They also obtain ingredients from South America, Morocco and China. Our soothing and caffeine-free rooibos and honeybush teas come from South Africa. 

We use only premium ingredients – selected with great care from around the world – such as berries, fruit pieces, blossoms, leaves and roots for our aromatic Ronnefeldt fruit infusions. We also examine the ingredients extensively before we process them. Our quality checks start in the country of origin and continue until the perfectly composed tea has found its way in our teabags.

All of our fruit infusions are brightly coloured energisers that are ideal for unwinding. They are refreshing and delicious thanks to their unique compositions. Indulge and enjoy!