VFM Spotlight: Trudy Ann’s Chai & Spices offers a cozy cup of tea

In this series, the Georgia Straight visits different vendors at the Vancouver Farmers Markets to learn about their business, products, and why they love being at the weekly markets.

Vendor Profile: Trudy Ann’s Chai & Spices owned by Trudy Ann Tellis.

What do you sell? I sell all organic, hand blended products—masala chai, caffeine-free teas and dry-roasted cooking spices. I make everything I sell in small batches in East Vancouver at the Uncommon Commissary.

How did you get into your business? I love teas but many out there are not organic, have additives or essential oils added. I began this business with the quest to make organic teas and spices without additives.

The cooking spice collection started when I had the realization that there was a need for organic dry-roasted cooking spices made from whole ingredients and not powders. I wanted to have real flavours of India, just the way we prepared food back home, and I decided to share with others.

What’s your specialty? I bring the traditions of Indian cuisine right here to Vancouver. I am known for my Masala Chai blends as those were the first teas I made. Perfect with an extra ginger kick and great for the winter or iced in the summer. I also teach cooking classes and will have a cook book out soon so stay tuned for some Traditional Indian Cooking! 

Favourite item you sell? It has to be my Bombay Masala Chai. The Apple Pie chai is a big seller too along with the Turmeric Ginger Tonic. It’s $10 for a bag of tea or any three for $25.00.

The Garam Masala, Butter Chicken and Tandoori masala are top sellers in the spice category. They are $7 each or four for $25.00.

Favourite thing about the city’s farmers markets? I love the farmers markets as I get to meet local Vancouver shoppers and help them with their spice or tea selections depending on their palate. I also absolutely love shopping at the markets, knowing where all the food I eat comes from and meeting the farmers that make it.

There is a lot of trading that goes on as well between vendors and that is always great!