Firepot Nomadic Teas Interview
Hi chai enthusiasts! I’m back with a very special interview series. If you haven’t already heard, I Try Chai has launched our first chai sampler box! Included is ITC’s top 3 chais (as seen on the blog).
One of the top chais included in this set is from Firepot Nomadic Teas, their Loose Leaf Masala Chai (you can read my reviews of this chai as well as their chai concentrate here and here).
I’ve been a fan of Firepot for a while now, and their masala chai concentrate was named I Try Chai’s Chai of the Year 2020 .
To let you guys get to know the brand a little better, I reached out to Firepot, and they were kind enough to take the time to do a little interview with I Try Chai!
Jasmine: Thank you for doing this interview with me for the blog! I know my readers are going to love getting a closer look at your brand.
Firepot Nomadic Teas: Thank you so much for your support and giving us the opportunity to answer these questions! We look forward to being featured!!
Jasmine: Let’s get right into this then. Tell us all a little more about your roles in the business.
Firepot: Tricia Zimmer Ferguson (St. Louis, MO) runs the business side and Sarah Scarborough (Nashville, TN) leads the vision.
Jasmine: And what is the backstory behind Firepot Nomadic Teas? How did the business get started?
Firepot: Sarah started it while working at a Tibetan teahouse in 2001 and was dedicated to connecting tea lovers to tea growers to improve the lives of both.
Her background was in sustainable agriculture and she saw ethical and organic tea as the way to improve the tea industry.
Jasmine: That is such a great motivation behind the business. I think when it comes to tea specifically, this is so important to not only focus on what you’re giving to the customer, but also give proper respect and appreciation to the tea growers/farmers.
Kind of going along with that, what would you say is the main values or philosophy behind the brand?
Firepot: We connect tea lovers to improve lives. We are dedicated to authentic, organic and sustainable ingredients and practices.
Jasmine: That’s really great. I’ve had the privilege of trying many of your different teas, beyond your amazing masala chai. It’s clear the care and detail that goes into your products. I have to say, your teas are high quality and delicious (I also love your matcha specifically).
So why chai? What got you interested in chai?
Firepot: It was karma- or perhaps dharma. Sarah was working at a Tibetan Teahouse where they made a very authentic and delicious, not so sweet chai. She riffed on the teahouse recipe and Firepot was born!
Jasmine: Wow! I love that you take an authentic recipe and put your own spin on it, giving it that perfect balance.
When it comes to chai, there are many different types out there, each choosing to enhance a different ingredient/flavor. What is your favorite part of chai?
Firepot: Firepot strikes a perfect balance between sweet and spicy. We freshly grind our spices and use coriander to pull it all together.
Jasmine: You’re definitely got it right when it comes to chai. This is one of my favorites I’ve ever had.
So tell me, what specifically makes your chai better than all the others being sold out there?
Firepot: Aside from our authentic recipe, we use high quality, real ingredients-whole organic spices freshly ground, vibrant and robust black tea from Rwanda, raw organic cane sugar... It makes a difference!
Jasmine: Very interesting! I’ve noticed that something as simple as the black tea used for the base can make a huge difference in flavor. And freshly grinding the spices does so much to release those oils from inside really giving it the full flavor vs just the essence.
If you could sum up your chai in just a few words, how would you describe it?
Firepot: Authentic Sweet Spice.
Jasmine: I couldn’t agree more. And lastly, if someone is reading this and has never tried chai before, what would you say to them? Why should they try chai?
Firepot: Chai is one of the oldest health elixirs on the planet!
Jasmine: So intriguing to someone who doesn’t know all the health benefits chai has! It truly is an amazing drink, and you have to try Firepot’s take on Masala Chai. Thank you Firepot team for doing this interview!
If you’d like to sample Firepot Nomadic Teas’ Masala Chai Loose Leaf, you can find it in the brand new You Try Chai - Chai Sampler Box. Featured alongside my 2 other favorite chais, you’ll get 3 oz of each to try for yourself.
This chai box makes for a great treat to your favorite chai enthusiast, or yourself! Find it here.