Ooty Homedale Dust Tea — Premium CTC from the 1949 Nilgiri Estate | OotyMade

The Homedale Tea Factory has been producing tea since November 1949 — founded by the son of the Maharaja of Cochin at 6,000 feet in the Nilgiris, where it has run continuously for over 75 years. When you buy Homedale Dust tea, you are buying from one of the oldest continuously operating tea factories in the Nilgiris.

Homedale Dust is the fine-grade CTC from this historic estate — maximum colour, maximum strength, and the specific character of Homedale's high-altitude growing conditions: a smooth, full-bodied cup with the brightness that 6,000 feet delivers.

🏗️ Est. 1949 — Historic Nilgiris Estate — Founded by the son of the Maharaja of Cochin. Over 75 years of continuous production at 6,000 feet. The heritage is real, not marketing.
⚡ Dust Grade — Maximum Strength and Colour — Fine dust CTC for deep amber colour and strong, full-bodied brew. The grade preferred by those who want the darkest, most robust cup.
🏔️ 6,000 Feet Altitude Character — Smooth body, clean finish, and the characteristic Nilgiris brightness that altitude produces in the tea leaf.
🌿 Single Estate Traceability — Homedale Estate only. Not blended with teas from other estates or regions.
📦 Fresh Packed at Source — Sealed and dispatched from the Nilgiris within 48 hours.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Homedale Dust different from other dust teas?
The estate origin and altitude. Most commercial dust teas are blends of multiple origins. Homedale Dust is from a single 1949 estate at 6,000 feet — the altitude gives the tea its specific briskness and smooth body that lowland dust teas cannot replicate.

Is this suitable for daily household chai?
Yes — dust grade is specifically designed for daily milk tea use. Strong colour, consistent strength, and holds up well to milk and sugar.

The Nilgiris — India's Blue Mountains — grows tea at 6,000 feet above sea level, where cool year-round temperatures (15–20°C), two annual monsoons, and mineral-rich volcanic soil create growing conditions found nowhere else in India.

At this altitude, tea plants grow more slowly. Slower growth concentrates the natural compounds — polyphenols, catechins, aromatic oils — that give Nilgiris tea its characteristic brightness, natural sweetness, and clean, clear liquor.

What makes OotyMade's tea range unique is traceability. We source from named estates — Kannavarai, Homewood, Darmona, Homedale, Silver Oak — so you know exactly which garden your tea comes from. No anonymous blends. No imported material. Just the Blue Mountains.

All teas are packed fresh at source and dispatched within 48 hours of your order.

For Milk Chai (Traditional Indian Method)

1. Add 200ml water to a saucepan and bring to a boil.
2. Add 1 heaped teaspoon (3–4g) of tea powder.
3. Simmer for 2–3 minutes on medium heat.
4. Add 50–75ml full-fat milk.
5. Simmer for 1 more minute.
6. Add sugar to taste, strain, and serve immediately.

For Black Tea (Plain, Without Milk)

1. Heat water to 90–95°C (just below boiling).
2. Add 1 teaspoon tea powder per 200ml.
3. Steep for 2–3 minutes maximum.
4. Strain immediately into your cup.
5. Add lemon or honey if desired — never milk with black tea.

For Iced Tea

1. Brew double-strength (2 teaspoons per 200ml).
2. Steep for 3 minutes.
3. Strain directly over a glass full of ice.
4. Add lemon slices and honey.

Nilgiris tea stays crystal clear when iced — no cloudiness.

Best brewed strong with full-fat fresh milk — the dust grade produces the deep amber colour that holds up beautifully to milk and sugar. Pairs perfectly with GI-Tagged Ooty Varkey for the traditional Nilgiris tea-time. Excellent base for filter coffee blend in South Indian households that prefer a tea-coffee combination.

Shelf life: 12–18 months from packing date when stored correctly. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, moisture and strong odours. Do not store alongside spices. Do not refrigerate.

All tea is packed fresh at source and vacuum-sealed or airtight-sealed before dispatch.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight (degrades chlorophyll and antioxidants), moisture (causes mould and off-flavours), strong odours (tea absorbs surrounding aromas rapidly), and heat above 30°C.

Best practice

Transfer to a ceramic or glass airtight container on receipt — a dedicated tea tin stored in a kitchen cabinet is ideal.

Signs of freshness

Fresh Nilgiris tea has a bright, clean aroma on opening. If the aroma has faded significantly, the tea is past its prime — though still safe to consume.

Free shipping on all orders above Rs. 2,000.

Pan-India delivery

We deliver to all 28 states and 8 union territories of India. Dispatch is within 48 hours of order confirmation.

Delivery time

Metro cities: 2–3 business days.
All other cities: 3–5 business days.
Remote areas: 5–7 business days.

Packaging

All teas are packed in sealed, moisture-proof packaging to preserve freshness during transit.

Returns policy

As a food product, we do not accept returns. If your product arrives damaged or incorrect, please WhatsApp us with a photo within 24 hours — we will arrange an immediate replacement at no cost to you.