Sip your way toward a healthier planet and more ethical employment opportunities for people in Kenya. JusTea is a farmer-direct tea company based in Kenya and Canada. With a mission that is based on sustainability, transparency, and fair trade, each handcrafted tea blend can bring you joy and a sense of pride in empowering women-led tea cooperatives, small-scale tea farmers, and artisan woodcarvers in Kenya.
What is JusTea?
This tea company was co-founded by Grayson Bain after he visited Kenya in 2012. Grayson partnered with small-scale tea farmers in the East African country and helped build Kenya's first-ever farmer-owned tea processing factory.
As a farmer-direct company, JusTea ensures that the tea farmers can earn a living wage growing the tea plants that are brought to the processing factory. There is no middleman between the farmers and the tea company, which allows the farmers to keep more of the profits. The farmers are such an important part of the company that each tea tin includes the photo and name of the farmer who grew the tea, allowing consumers to see who has made their soothing tea ritual possible. This type of transparency is just one aspect of the inspiring mission behind JusTea.
Community-Driven Tea Production
The social impact of JusTea in Kenya is big. The factory has created over 200 jobs in rural Kenya where many people are impoverished and unable to find ethical work opportunities. The farmer-owned model ensures equity and fair wages for small farmers who struggle to make ends meet. Women-led tea cooperatives are empowered through the work that the company provides for them, and local artisans are hired to craft wooden teaspoons that are included in each tea tin. Using some of the profits, the company can provide schoolbooks to over 600 local children, empowering the children to become better educated so they have more opportunities in the future.
Sustainable Practices
You will be happy to know that JusTea's tea tins are recyclable, and their refills are compostable. The wooden spoons are handcrafted from offcuts by local artisans. The tea is made in small batches, allowing for better sustainability, transparency, and overall quality.
Why GreenBirdi Loves JusTea
It's not hard to see why GreenBirdi is eager to sell JusTea products. We love how the JusTea values are perfectly aligned with our own values of sustainability, inclusivity, and transparency. Every purchase you make supports real people and stories, making a positive impact in Kenyan communities. In fact, the tea's deep connection to Kenyan communities and culture inspires us to be more conscious of other companies with a community-centric model that focuses on ethical employment, education, and women's empowerment.
We also love how the ethical sourcing of the tea lends itself so well to eco-friendly gifting. Not only can you give a gift of flavour and relaxation, the handcrafted teaspoons and farmer photos add meaning to every tin.
JusTea also improves health and wellness through its lines of unique, wellness-focused teas. We love that we can sell a product that can help others feel better and stay well just by drinking a relaxing cup of tea.
Unique Teas and Wellness Blends
Purple Teas
If you have never heard of Purple Tea, you are not alone. JusTea is proud to introduce Purple Tea to North America. This rare variety of tea is high in antioxidants, which could help boost heart health, support better bone health, and improve brain functions, among other health benefits. Anthocyanins in the tea not only give it a vibrant purple colour, but they also help reduce inflammation. Inflammation in the body is known to be linked to heart disease and cancer.
JusTea offers a Purple Tea Trio, including Purple Rain, Purple Jasmine, and Purple Mint.
Herbal Wellness Blends
Herbal wellness blends are handcrafted to provide the finest flavour and quality to tea drinkers. Whether you prefer Chamomile Dream, Peppermint, or Turmeric Ginger, you will love the way these caffeine-free options provide relaxation, digestion, and immune support.
Green and Black Teas
For a bold flavour, try JusTea's green and black teas. These energizing teas could be your way to get going in the morning while also providing heart-healthy antioxidant properties. Each loose-leaf tea tin is accompanied by a wooden teaspoon that was carved by a Kenyan artisan.
Brewing Tips
For the perfect cup of tea, use one teaspoon of loose-leaf tea per cup of hot water. Black, purple, and herbal teas typically require boiling water, while green teas can have slightly cooler water. Allow the tea to steep. Steep times vary by blend, and you can check the label for time suggestions. After the tea is finished steeping, remove the tea leaves and drink your freshly brewed tea! You can re-steep the leaves two or three times for maximum value and flavour.
Gifting Ideas
JusTea tea tins make great gifts for the holidays, birthdays, or any other reason! If you know someone who would love tea grown by small farmers in Kenya and made by a company that empowers women and other people in Kenyan communities, consider giving it as a gift by itself or as part of one of these gifting ideas:
-
Pair the tea tins with reusable mugs or eco tea infusers
-
Add the tea tins to self-care bundles or wellness gift boxes
-
Wrap your tea gift creatively with a personalised note and decorative ribbon
-
Choose a special item to accompany your tea, such as an embroidered cloth napkin
If you want to thank someone in a unique way or give a someone a bit of comfort and joy, these tea tins are your go-to gifting idea.
How to Make a Positive Impact Today
When you sip JusTea, you are investing in a better tea industry. Ethical, small-batch tea is changing lives in Kenyan communities. We believe that JusTea is part of a greater movement that empowers women, supports education, and practices sustainability. Drink tea with purpose and support direct-trade farming in Kenya!
Shop JusTea and taste the impact. Share your sips with #GreenBirdi #JusTeaMoments
