It’s pruning season in Son Moragues. The hot, Spanish sun shines down on the rolling groves of this farm on Mallorca’s west coast, feeding the ancient olive trees with the energy it needs to produce their prized fruit.
The use of olives predates written language. Native to Asia, the olive tree is one of the first humans are known to have cultivated, and made it to the Mediterranean about 6,000 years ago. Over the course of history it’s had many uses, from using burned oil a source of light to a symbol of peace (“extending an olive branch”) to being one of the world's most popular culinary tools and trade product, the olive tree is an integral part of human civilization, though we mostly focus on the olive itself, and forget the other parts of this ancient tree.
Katja and Kate, the two alchemists of Dos Alquemistas (2A), have an innate connection to the island and all life on it, and are particularly drawn to the wisdom of the olive tree and all parts of it. So, while their friends at Son Moragues are trimming the trees and pulling olives from their branches to make their decadent oil, Katja and Kate hone in on the leaves.
By hand, they pick off olive leaves from pruned branches, and then uycycle them into a hearty, nutritious tea with a distinct and earthy taste. Their connection with and commitment to their land can be seen in every aspect of 2A’s operation. They use compostable packaging for their teas, enhance their teas with essential oils that were distilled from plants handpicked with care from the wild plants indigenous to the area, and treat drinking their teas as a ritual.
All 2A powder and tea blends are sourced, dehydrated, and milled on the island, which truly makes their product the essence of Mallorca in a cup. More than a bag of tea leaves, 2A products are an homage to Mallorcas beauty, olive’s wisdom, and our innate connection to nature and all it has to offer.
