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Demeter Biodynamic

While our black tea is not certified Demeter Biodynamic, it is grown in Demeter gardens in Sri Lanka.

What is biodynamic agriculture?
Biodynamic agriculture is the oldest consciously organic approach to farming and gardening and is one of the most sustainable in existence. It is founded on a holistic and spiritual understanding of nature and the human being and builds on the pioneering research work of Rudolf Steiner.

How is biodynamic different from organic?

  • Every biodynamic farm aims to become self-sufficient in compost, manures and animal feeds.
  • All external inputs are kept to a minimum.
  • Compost is treated with special herb-based preparations.
  • Crop quality is improved using natural manure and quartz based preparations.
  • Ecological diversity is a goal of landscape management.
  • An astronomical calendar is used to determine auspicious, planting, cultivating and harvesting times.

What is the Biodynamic Sowing and Planting Calendar?
The Biodynamic Sowing and Planting Calendar is produced each year by the authors Maria and Matthias Thun (pronounced "toon"). It is based on more than forty years of ongoing research into the influences of the moon, planets and constellations on plant growth. It is available from the BDAA.

How does the Calendar work?
Each month the moon moves through all twelve constellations of the zodiac in turn. This is referred to as the moon’s siderial cycle and forms the basis of the biodynamic calendar. Although the synodic (waxing and waning) cycle is the most well known lunar rhythm, it only plays a small part in this calendar. Since ancient times the twelve zodiac constellations have been associated with the each of the four elements. Three constellations are connected to each element and each element is related to a part of the plant: Earth - root; water - leaf; air - flower; fire - fruit. For good carrots an earth - root day should be chosen, for lettuce - a water - leaf day, beans and apples - a fire - fruit day etc. The influences have most effect when the soil is moved and when the biodynamic preparations have been used. Choosing suitable times for cultivation (hoeing, digging, harrowing etc.) as well as for sowing and harvesting is therefore also important.

Is biodynamic food better for you?
Food produced from healthy soil and contented animals will make for healthy people.

Research shows that biodynamic produce:

  • keeps fresh for longer
  • flavor is better
  • dry matter content is higher
  • nitrate content is lower
  • has greater vitality

There is also considerable anecdotal evidence to show that eating biodynamic food increases vitality, reduces allergic reactions and brings about an all round health improvement.

Information taken from the The Biodynamic Agricultural Association website.