More crop success in Freital confirmed!
Bombastus-Werke: A Century-Long Tradition of Sage Tea Production
The picturesque town of Freital, Germany, is home to Bombastus-Werke, a company with a rich history dating back over 110 years in the cultivation and processing of sage. Established around 1914, Bombastus-Werke has become a global leader in comprehensive sage production, with a unique focus on utilizing the entire plant from root to flower[1].
From Hand-Harvesting to Modern Technology
The sage harvesting process at Bombastus-Werke has evolved significantly over the years. While a harvesting tractor is now commonly used for efficiency, the finest quality sage – destined for "Sage shoot tip tea hand harvest" – is still manually collected to preserve essential oils and maintain premium quality[1]. In 2024, hand-harvested packs accounted for about 1.6% of total sage tea sales at Bombastus[1].
Yield and Cultivation
Currently, around eight hectares of sage are cultivated annually for tea production at Bombastus-Werke. Each hectare yields approximately 2,800 kilograms of fresh sage, which, after drying and winnowing, results in about 650 kilograms of dried tea – the essential raw material for tea products[1].
Quality and Conditions
The quality of the sage produced at Bombastus-Werke is heavily influenced by weather conditions. Optimal sage quality is achieved when the plant is harvested under dry, sunny weather, allowing for maximum essential oil content, which is vital for the medicinal and flavor properties of the tea. Rainy periods can potentially disrupt harvesting and impact the quality of the yield[1].
A Balance of Tradition and Modernity
Bombastus-Werke has successfully blended tradition with modern technology in its sage tea production process. The company has evolved from fully manual labor to integrating mechanized harvesting while still maintaining traditional hand harvesting for premium teas. Today, the company's processing methods support a diverse product range, including medicinal and food teas, essential oils, oral and skin care products, demonstrating advanced processing technology beyond simple tea drying[1].
A Look into the Future
As of 2024, Bombastus-Werke employs around 155 staff and reported a turnover of approximately 12.9 million euros. The company continues to uphold its commitment to quality and tradition while expanding its product range and scale[1].
For those interested in learning more about the sage tea production process at Bombastus-Werke, an open house event will be held on September 5th. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the intricacies of this century-old tradition and witness the blend of tradition and modern technology that makes Bombastus-Werke a unique player in the sage tea industry.
[1] Bombastus-Werke (2024). Bombastus-Werke: The History and Process of Sage Tea Production. Retrieved from www.bombastus-werke.com/history
Smart-home-devices and gadgets are yet to be integrated into the traditional sage tea production process at Bombastus-Werke, maintaining a focus on technology that enhances efficiency and product quality without compromising the centuries-old methods that have made them a global leader. Future advancements in the sage tea industry may see technology evolve to include smart-home-devices and gadgets for seamless automation and real-time monitoring of various stages in the production process.
