High in the hills of Kerala’s Western Ghats, the lush, mist-covered slopes of Peermade whisper stories of centuries-old tea cultivation. Known as one of the first tea-growing regions in Kerala, Peermade’s legacy in tea is as rich as the brew it produces. At Misty Mountain Plantation Resort, we’re proud to be part of this heritage, carrying forward the craft of making authentic Orthodox black tea.

Why Our Tea is Special

Peermade’s unique terroir gives our tea a distinct identity. Grown at an altitude of around 3,500 feet, our mid-grown tea benefits from the biodiversity and climate of the Western Ghats. The result is a robust, malty liquor with deep flavour and an elegant balance of strength and smoothness. Unlike high-grown teas that are more delicate or low-grown teas that can be overly strong, our tea strikes the perfect middle ground—flavourful, aromatic, and refreshingly bold.

What is Orthodox Tea?

Orthodox tea refers to a traditional method of tea making, where the whole leaf is preserved throughout the process. Unlike CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) tea, which dominates the Indian market and is typically used for strong, milk-based chai, Orthodox tea is known for its nuanced, layered flavour. It is especially popular in Europe and the Middle East, where tea is often enjoyed without milk or excessive sugar.

Orthodox tea is made through five key steps:

• Withering
  

• Rolling
  

• Fermentation
  

• Drying
  

• Grading (Sifting)
  
  

Each step is done with the utmost care to preserve the quality, flavour, and colour of the tea leaves.

The Journey from Leaf to Cup

1. Harvesting

Great tea begins with great leaves. At Misty Mountain Plantation Resort, we focus on using light green, tender leaves from the top of the plant—these contain the highest concentration of flavour compounds. Our B661 clonal hybrid tea plants, which are over 30 years old, are carefully maintained for consistent quality.

We primarily rely on hand plucking, as it allows for the precise selection of leaves. In certain cases, semi-mechanised machines are used for greater efficiency. For Orthodox tea, 60–80% of the leaves used must be of high quality, making the harvesting stage critical.

2. Withering

Freshly plucked tea leaves are high in moisture and need to be softened before further processing. The leaves are spread over perforated beds and subjected to controlled airflow for 18–20 hours, gently removing excess moisture. This step enhances flexibility and begins the subtle transformation of the leaf’s chemical structure.

3. Rolling

Rolling is where the magic begins. The process gently breaks down the leaf’s cellular structure, allowing the oxidative compounds and enzymes to interact with oxygen. This step is essential to bring out the complex flavour and aroma that Orthodox teas are known for. We ensure minimal mechanical handling to protect the leaf’s integrity and maintain its rich colour, appearance, and liquor.

4. Fermentation

Fermentation, or oxidation, is carefully monitored to bring out the desired characteristics of the tea. As the enzymes and oxidisable matter mix with oxygen, the tea develops its signature auburn colour and fragrant, malty aroma. The timing of this step is crucial—when a faintly sweet smell emerges, we know it’s ready to move to the next stage.

5. Drying

The fermented leaves are dried at 100°C for about 20 minutes, locking in their flavour and arresting the oxidation process. The result is beautifully dark, fully oxidised Orthodox black tea—ready to be cleaned, sorted, and graded.

6. Grading

Once dried, the tea is sifted using fine mesh sieves to separate it based on particle size and appearance. This grading allows us to ensure consistency and cater to different preferences and brewing methods.

Experience It Yourself

If you want to witness this time-honoured process in person, book a stay with us and join our Orthodox Tea Tour. 

Designed to make you a more informed and appreciative tea drinker, this signature experience begins with an engaging audiovisual presentation that explores the rich history of tea—its origins, its global journey, and how it found its way to Peermade.

You’ll also get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the Misty Mountain Tea Estate and gain fascinating insights into the traditional tea manufacturing process.

The journey continues with a guided walk through the scenic tea gardens where you can connect with the land and leaves firsthand. This is followed by an immersive visit to our factory where the magic of Orthodox tea making unfolds before your eyes.

The experience culminates in a carefully curated tea tasting session where you can savour the distinct flavours of Misty Mountain teas.

Finally, you’re invited to explore our tea shop to purchase authentic Misty Mountain teas—perfect for treating yourself or gifting to loved ones.

Why Orthodox Tea Matters

Orthodox tea is more than just a beverage—it’s a ritual, a wellness tonic, and an artisanal experience. Beyond its refined taste, it offers several health benefits:

• Supports cardiovascular health
  
  

• Helps in regulating blood sugar and cholesterol
  
  

• Promotes better oral hygiene
  
  

• Provides a calming, therapeutic effect
  
  
  

The whole-leaf nature of Orthodox tea ensures a clean, pure infusion rich in antioxidants and natural compounds.

Our Promise

At Misty Mountain Resort, we believe in doing things the right way—from plant to pour. Every batch of tea is carefully crafted with a deep respect for tradition and an eye for detail. Our teas are not just meant to be consumed—they are meant to be experienced.

Whether you enjoy it plain or with a hint of spice, our Orthodox tea delivers a taste of the mountains in every cup.

Buy Misty Mountain Tea Online

Can’t wait to taste our tea? You can now buy our exquisite Orthodox teas directly from our online store. Bring home the rich, robust flavours of Misty Mountain Peermade Tea and savour the authentic taste of the Western Ghats anytime, anywhere.