Agrokarpaty: The taste of the Slovak mountains

The origins of tea reach deep into Asia. According to a famous Chinese legend, tea was discovered in 2737 BC when a gust of wind blew several tea leaves into Emperor Shen Nung’s cup of hot water. Intrigued by the aroma, he tasted the brew—and thus tea was born.

Over time, tea became an essential part of medicine, rituals, and daily life. In China it was used primarily as a healing tonic. In Japan it evolved into a spiritual ritual known as chanoyu, the way of tea. In India it intertwined with local culture through British influence, while in the Middle East and Russia it gained popularity for its invigorating flavour.

By the 17th and 18th centuries, tea had reached Europe, where it became a symbol of refinement and later an everyday household staple. Today, it is the second most consumed beverage in the world—right after water.

China is the world’s largest tea producer, followed closely by India and Kenya.
In the United Kingdom, around 100 million cups of tea are consumed every day.
Matcha was originally part of Zen Buddhist rituals.
In Morocco, green tea with mint and generous amounts of sugar is considered a national drink.
The world’s most expensive tea—Da Hong Pao—can cost tens of thousands of euros per kilogram.

Although traditional tea is primarily grown in Asia and Africa, the world of tea is much broader. It also includes herbs, fruits, and plants that thrive in entirely different climates. And this brings us to Slovakia.

Slovakia offers exceptional conditions for gathering and growing herbs—clean air, mountain meadows, forests, and rich biodiversity. Herbal and fruit teas are among our most traditional homemade beverages, often valued for their natural healing effects.

In the heart of Pieniny and Magura beneath the High Tatras lies Agrokarpaty, s.r.o. Plavnica —the largest grower of medicinal plants in Slovakia and one of the largest in Europe. Since 1993, the company has cultivated herbs in an ecologically pristine environment and produced tea blends that travel straight from the field to your table.

For more than three decades, Agrokarpaty has proven that quality tea can be born right under our mountains. In the scenic landscape of Pieniny and Magura, they cultivate medicinal plants with great respect for the land, ensuring natural soil fertility and sustainable farming practices. Compost made from their own plant waste and careful crop rotation support healthy plant growth—the very foundation of their tea blends.

The final packaging process follows two paths: portioned teas are packed mechanically, while loose-leaf and specialty products are packed by hand to ensure gentle handling and preserve the highest quality.

Agrokarpaty’s range includes herbal teas that support well-being, refreshing fruit blends, and exotic teas such as green tea, Rooibos, and PU-ERH. Although these cannot be grown in Slovakia, they are processed with the same care and without artificial additives.

Tea lovers can also visit the company’s charming wooden shop in Plavnica, offering their full selection of teas, herbal products, organic foods, accessories, and gift sets —a place that radiates nature and traditional craftsmanship.

Over the years, Agrokarpaty has received numerous awards—from BIO certifications to prizes for the most beautiful, cultivated landscape and recognition from the Slovak Food Chamber. The company stands as a unique blend of nature, expertise, and tradition, bringing high-quality tea from the Slovak mountains directly to your home.

As true lovers of quality and flavourful teas, we couldn’t resist visiting Agrokarpaty ourselves. We wanted to see firsthand how these fragrant products come to life—and to bring you an authentic behind-the-scenes look at everything that stands behind each warm and comforting cup of your favourite tea. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy our newest tea report.