Our Philosophy

There's an old legend that says all tea originally comes from five East Asian mountains: the North, South, East, West and Center Mountains. Therefore, we chose the name "Five Mountains" because it best represents our focus on traditional, unadulterated heirloom teas.

These traditional tea cultivars are renowned for their quality, flavor profiles and health attributes. Each tea is harvested from gardens of their native origin to fully express their variety and terroir, and by manufacturing in San Francisco, we guarantee their freshness.

Our product is ethically grown and organically harvested. We are Certified USDA Organic by CCOF, EU Certified Organic, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free and a FairTradeUSA Licensed Partner. We’ve also developed fully sustainable packaging including 100% compostability/recyclability and our tea sachets, made of vegetable cellulose, are free from glues, staples and petroleum-based plastics.

Since 2008, Five Mountains has provided its acclaimed organic teas to gourmet grocery stores across the country, Michelin Star restaurants, renowned coffee houses, luxury resorts and spas, universities and prominent tech campuses.

Visit Our Story page to learn more about the origins of Five Mountains.

HEALTH • SUSTAINABILITY • RESPONSIBILITY

Creation of the first 100% Home-Compostable Loose Leaf Tea Packaging

For over a decade, we have pioneered some of the most eco-friendly tea packaging in the industry and we continue to take great effort to produce the most natural and sustainable tea products available. In 2009, Five Mountains introduced the first 100% biodegradable and home-compostable whole leaf tea packaging, made from renewable resources (non-GMO wood pulp) certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council.

Fair Trade Certified

Five Mountains is a proud member of Fair Trade USA. By promoting FT products, Fair Trade USA enables sustainable development and community empowerment by cultivating a more equitable global trade model that benefits farmers, workers, fishermen, consumers, industry, and the earth.

Certified Organic

Five Mountains' teas are certifed USDA organic by California Certified Organic Farmers. CCOF is a nonprofit organization that advances organic agriculture for a healthy world through organic certification, education, advocacy, and promotion. They envision a world where organic is the norm.

Certified Diverse Business

Five Mountains is a Certified Diverse Business. For over a decade, we have been proud to have had the opportunity to employ and support truly amazing individuals including veterans, minorities, economically disadvantaged men and women, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBT commnunity.

Certified Woman Owned Small Business

We are honored to be an SBA Certified Woman Owned Small Business and extend our deep respect and appreciation to all women entrepreneurs across the country.

Heirloom Cultivars

Sourcing from antique tea arbors helps protect these rare, fertile plantations and ensures that they may continue to flourish indefinitely. These ancient tea varietals grow biodiversly without the need for pesticides, fertilizers or invasive irrigation. Research has shown they yield a higher antioxidant concentration and, of course (our favorite part), their flavor is second to none.