Nepali Black Tea Loose Leaf – Mardi Himal, Single-Origin Ilam
Fig jam · cedar bark · orange peel. Smooth, full-bodied, no bitterness. Rare micro-lot.
Caffeine
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About This Tea
A rare micro-lot black tea with rich red liquor and notes of fig jam, cedar bark, and orange peel.
Quick Facts
- Origin: Ilam, Nepal · ~7,500 ft · named after Mardi Himal peak
- Type: First-flush micro-lot black tea · whole leaf · hand-plucked
- Caffeine: Medium-high (~45–60 mg per 8 oz cup)
- Brew: 195–200°F · 3–4 minutes · re-steeps 2–3 times
- Certifications: Single-origin · direct-trade
- Specialty: Small-batch micro-lot with a rich red liquor
- Taste: Fig jam, cedar bark, orange peel · smooth, full-bodied, no bitterness
Mardi Himal is a single-origin, first-flush micro-lot black tea from the high gardens of Ilam, Nepal, named after the striking Mardi Himal peak in the Himalaya. Hand-plucked in small batches and naturally oxidized, it pours a rich red liquor with distinctive notes of fig jam, cedar bark, and orange peel over light malt. Smooth and full-bodied, with no bitterness.
A complex, fruit-and-cedar black tea that is equally good hot, iced, or as a latte. Because it is a tiny micro-lot, availability is limited. Browse all our Nepal black teas to compare across our single-origin Ilam range.
A First-Flush Micro-Lot from the High Gardens of Ilam, Nepal
Mardi Himal is grown in the high-mountain gardens of Ilam in eastern Nepal and named after the striking Mardi Himal peak in the Himalaya. The spring first-flush leaves are hand-plucked in small batches, withered, rolled, and naturally oxidized into a rich red liquor. Working directly with smallholder farmers keeps the tea fully traceable and the micro-lot fresh. Learn more in our guide to why Ilam is Nepal's premier tea region.
ELEVATION
~7,500 ft (High-Mountain)
HARVEST
First Flush Micro-Lot
REGION
Ilam, Nepal
A Rare Fig-and-Cedar Himalayan Black Tea
Mardi Himal stands out for its unusual flavor profile: fig jam sweetness, cedar bark depth, and a bright lift of orange peel, all carried on a smooth, full-bodied base with light malt and no bitterness. Because it is produced as a small micro-lot, each harvest is limited, which makes it a favorite for drinkers who want something beyond a standard daily black tea.
If you enjoy a lively first flush, this is a smooth, single-origin Nepali option worth exploring. Our article on Nepali tea versus Darjeeling explains how the regions compare, and our roundup of the best teas in Nepal puts this micro-lot in context. Browse the full Nepal black tea collection for more single-origin Ilam options.
Tasting Notes
- Aroma: Fig jam, cedar bark, orange peel
- Body: Smooth and full-bodied with light malt
- Finish: Clean and lingering, no bitterness
- Liquor: Rich red
- Pairs well with: Soft cheese with fig jam, dark chocolate truffles, almond biscotti
Buy Nepali Black Tea Online
Our direct-trade model keeps more value at origin and lets us ship fresher, better-traced loose leaf tea to customers across the United States. Orders leave our Saugus, Massachusetts facility, so it is easy to buy single-origin Nepali black tea online with fast U.S. fulfillment and free shipping over $60.
How to Brew Mardi Himal
- Hot: Steep 1 heaping teaspoon per 8 oz at 195 to 200°F for 3 to 4 minutes. Re-steep 2 to 3 times.
- Iced: Brew double strength, cool, and serve over ice.
- Latte: Brew strong, add steamed milk, and sweeten to taste.
- For a smoother cup every time, see our guide on strong black tea without bitterness and how to steep black tea.
Caffeine & Calm Energy
An 8 oz cup of Mardi Himal contains roughly 45 to 60 mg of caffeine, a medium-high level for a full-bodied black tea. Paired with the L-theanine naturally present in the leaf, it delivers a smooth, focused lift without the spike or crash of coffee, which makes it a dependable morning or afternoon cup. For more, see our guide on how much caffeine is in black tea.
How Mardi Himal Compares to Our Other Nepali Black Teas
| Black Tea | Flavor Profile | Caffeine | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mardi Himal (this tea) | Fig jam, cedar bark, orange peel; smooth, full-bodied, fruit-and-cedar | Medium-high | Rare micro-lot lovers; hot, iced, or latte |
| Himalayan Golden | Rich, mellow, malty with honey and stone fruit | Medium to high | Smooth daily black, award-winning flagship |
| Manaslu Spring | Dried lily, barley, honeysuckle, cane sugar; bright, lightly sweet first flush | Medium | Delicate spring first-flush sipping |
| Snow Leopard | Smooth, cocoa, malt, gentle spice | Medium | Easygoing, comforting everyday cup |
| Sherpa Breakfast | Bold, malty, brisk with red grape and stone fruit | High | Strong morning breakfast tea, takes milk |
Why Our Customers Love Our Teas
FAQ about Nepali Black Tea Loose Leaf – Mardi Himal, Single-Origin Ilam
Everything you need to know before your first cup.
