The fragrant roots of tea reach back centuries to Chinese soil, discovered, according to myth, by a divine farmer named Shunan Teng. In search of edible offerings from the lands he roamed, a leaf drifted into his mouth and cured the ailments of the many poisons he had ingested during his quest.
Although there’s no evidence to suggest any poisoning in the process along the way, the origin of Oakland-based fragrance company Juniper Ridge’s botanical teas follows a similar path.
Throughout his life, Hall Newbegin relished in the scents and sights of nature. An avid backpacker, trekker and wilderness advocate, he grew up exploring the lakes and peaks surrounding Portland, Oregon. His journeying continued throughout the American West as he developed a particular love for the smells he encountered in forests and deserts and along coastlines. In 1998, he began capturing those in small-batch products sold at the Berkeley Farmers Market. Juniper Ridge was born.
Today, the company sells a limited lineup of botanical teas that have maintained a “cult status” according to the company. Varieties like Douglas Fir Spring Tip, Yerba Santa and White Sage and Wild Mint capture the experience of being out in nature—a legacy owed to Newbegin, who passed away in June of 2020.
The teas stand out at Juniper Ridge as one of the few edible products among the company’s extensive lineup of soaps, candles and fragrances. Yet, like most everything the brand offers, the botanicals are sourced locally and sustainably and prepared according to its founder’s original approach: in small batches, by hand, at the company’s Oakland workshop.
The teas are subtle and versatile, equally enjoyed hot, iced or as a mixer. The renowned San Francisco restaurant Rich Table even used the tea as an ingredient in a recipe for Douglas Fir Pierogi.
As Juniper Ridge’s footprint expands, its commitment to the natural world and its local roots holds strong. Ten percent of the company’s profits are donated to the Western Wilderness Defense Fund to preserve wilderness in the region. They continue to operate out of Oakland while products are sold across the U.S. and Europe, including the East Bay’s Atomic Garden boutique and Alameda Natural Grocery. And while there’s no Juniper Ridge tea in China, you can follow their trail to a few stockists in Japan and Taiwan.
