Anything But Plain Tea

Brazilian born Tathiana Teixeira, a trained classical ballet dancer since the age of four, learned early on the importance of a healthy body and mind connection. Whole leaf tea proved to be a great way to maintain that homeostasis.

Through this revelation, Tathiana decided to share the “secret truth about tea,” by offering the ultimate tea experience, educating today’s tea drinkers a single cup at a time. Together with her husband, Alessandro, PLAIN-T was born.

“We are passionate about what we do,” said Alessandro Teixeira, whose first tea with his wife and partner was a memorable Jasmine Pearl blend. “We believe in the mental and physical health benefits that can be gained through the consumption of whole leaf tea, in challenging the status quo by thinking and acting differently. Our 13-year-old and eight-year-old daughters and their friends are all drinking tea. It is exciting to witness the joy, sense of discovery, and appreciation by each new PLAIN-T customer.”

Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world, behind water. As such, PLAIN-T has the innovative ability to tailor make its product to fulfill the needs of discerning clients, thanks to its tea master with over 30 years of experience. This jet-setting couple travels the Earth for hand-picked teas in prize-winning gardens, developing an expansive artisanal selection of first class teas. They gather plants from India, Japan, China, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Egypt.

“For the most part, the rest of the world is ahead of the U.S. when it comes to tea. In several cultures, tea is a way of life, embedded into cultures and enjoyed daily in different forms from morning to evening — something that we foresee taking place in the U.S. market in the near future,” explained Teixeira, who ensures that all of PLAIN-T products are harvested by hand, not machine, and sans pesticides or chemical use.

To receive the most benefit from tea leaves, it’s best to drink green tea within six months and black within a year.

AS GREEN AS THEIR LEAVES

In their latest endeavor, the Teixeiras were introduced to Robert and Barney Swan in Southampton in 2017, a team on a mission to clean up 326 million tons of C02 before 2025. Titled the 2041 South Pole Energy Challenge, PLAIN-T will support the world’s first “green” arctic trek by supplying the expedition team whole, loose leaf tea for the entire journey.

Practicing what they preach, PLAIN-T’s continued commitment to a better future includes eco-friendly practices such as sourcing of recyclable and biodegradable materials, electronic account management, and sourcing natural light as much as possible in the warehouse.

Teixeira said, “We aspire to be a company as green as our leaves. Through our collaboration with the South Pole Energy Challenge, we are looking to learn and improve our methods.”

PLAIN-T has supported local charities such as The Retreat, Hayground School, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, Southampton Historical Museum, Guild Hall, Children’s Museum of the East End, Paddle for Pink, and the Ross School. The company partners with organizations likeminded in benefitting the environment and constituency, such as Lauren Bush Lauren’s FEED Foundation and the FEED Cafe in Brooklyn.

PLAIN-T is also a partner and supporter of The Spur, the innovative collaborative co-working space on the East End, where both hot and cold product is served to members.

“We hosted an event for the Amagansett Food Institute at the PLAIN-T LOFT . . . One of the reasons we were hosting an event with the Amagansett Food Institute was to help bridge the gap between local entrepreneurs,” noted Teixeira. It was at this event that the couple met Spur founder, Ashley Heather, and connected immediately. “We had known the other members of the team — Gary, Bruce, and Frank —and are happy to see them all working together in this product.”

This summer, try the Detox White Hibiscus tea, cold-brewed, or any line of the detox and pure green teas at the PLAIN-T T-LOFT located in an historic ice warehouse at 87 Powell Avenue in Southampton. For eight years, this dedicated space has served as a tasting room, costing $75 per person and with groups of four or more.

Check out an upcoming collaboration with Sotheby’s International Realty Broker John Healey and Aryaman Builders at its opening event on June 30 at the Aryaman Builders headquarters on Montauk Highway in Bridgehampton.

Visit www.plain-t.com or call them at 631-251-6316 for more information.

@NikkiOnTheDaily
nicole@indyeastend.com