Rajah works on Rimpocha... initiative to merchandise organic tea blended with herbs

AVIJIT SINHA, TT, 23 Oct 2018, Siliguri: Rajah Banerjee, whose name is still synonymous with the world-famous Makaibari tea of Darjeeling hills, has come up with a new initiative to merchandise organic tea blended with herbs grown in the hills across the world.

After his exit from Makaibari, he is now working on "Rimpocha". The new project is aimed at roping in small tea growers of north Bengal and helping them grow organic tea as well as showcase the products by using information technology.

"We intend to use the digital platform to sell these or- Rajah Banerjee conducts a tea testing session in Siliguri. (Passang Yolmo) ganic tea products, blended with herbs. We have worked to develop a number of tea plantations with highest organic standards. Our plan is to provide them with technological assistance and help in direct marketing of their produce. Rimpocha is a platform for partnership that can extend assistance to these marginalised growers in achieving socio-economic goals, including women empowerment," said Rajah.

As a part of the initiative, Rajah, an avid tea blender, has already prepared 33 different combinations of herbs and tea.

"We have also collected teas from some of the finest gardens of north Bengal and even from abroad. We have then blended herbs with these varieties to prepare new flavours. There are combinations which is appropriate with the time and mood, whether it is the morning hours or the evening," he added.

Some of the herbs and flowers which are being used as blends with tea leaves include hibiscus, chamomile, lemongrass, peppermint, fennel seeds, rosemary, spearmint, rose, kiwi, orange peel, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, ginger flakes and pepper. Each of these blends has its own name.

"Added to various forms of teas which are blended with herbs, we would also showcase traditional Darjeeling teas of excellent qualities. The idea is to offer something new to tea drinkers living across the world," said Rajah.

Among the non-herbal teas include orthodox first flush vintage, orthodox muscatel second flush, green tea, oolong tea and the silver tip.

In due course, they would also open up kiosks in some of the transit points of north Bengal and in prominent tourist destinations.

"We would call these sampling points where people can get a taste of the bouquet of teas we offer," said the veteran planter. The Rimpocha initiative, he said, also aims to merchandise other organic items, which include rice, lentils and spices, by using the online platform..