Talk Story

Aloha everyone! We wanted to share some really fun updates about what's happening in our farming community. As we spend time with our farmers and reflect on our own experiences growing on our land, we noticed what we have and what we're missing. We are always aiming for both short and long term success for the entire community, and that takes a lot of work to put into action. As we continue to reflect, we wanted to share our reflections and success! Supporting local agriculture means more than simply purchasing ingredients. We truly believe in investing in the farmers who...

When you smell lemongrass, it's that bright, citrusy aroma that hits you first. It feels clean, uplifting, and instantly recognizable but not sour like a lemon or lime. But what most people don’t realize is that this scent comes from a natural compound called citral! And it's that one compound that carries a whole story of plant chemistry, culture, and why and how it's still being used today. So What Is Citral? Citral is a naturally occurring compound found in many aromatic plants. It’s what gives lemongrass its signature lemon-like scent, without the sharp acidity of an actual lemon. You...

Why māmaki tea is made to last longer than a single cup. Unlike typical tea bags that are brewed once and tossed, māmaki is meant to be brewed two to three times. It does not turn bitter or harsh after the first cup. Instead, it slowly releases its flavor and benefits over time. Most traditional teas contain tannins. Tannins are what cause tea to become bitter or astringent when steeped too long. That is why many teas need precise brewing times and are usually discarded after one use. Māmaki is different. Māmaki leaves are naturally very low in tannins, which means...

When it came time to choose a teabag, we wanted to put as much thought and care into it as we do with every other step. We figured finding something plastic and chemical-free should be easy, right?