There are places in México that completely change your understanding of food once you see them with your own eyes. The chinampas of Xochimilco are one of those places.

When you arrive at sunrise, you begin to understand not only how our ancestors cultivated food thousands of years ago, but how food was always intended to grow. You understand the relationship between the earth, water, seeds, medicinal plants, biodiversity, nourishment, and community. You understand that protecting the ecosystem and protecting tradition are often the same thing.

At Matriarca, we understand that certain modern processes are necessary in order to bring products to more people. But projects like this one serve as a reminder that some things can still hold onto their original story.

Té Tonantzin was created to bring a small piece of the chinampas into your home.

This blend was developed in partnership with the team at Arca Tierra and agrónoma Ale, who shared with us that this is the first tea blend ever produced by Arca Tierra. The process became an exercise in patience and care. Every leaf and petal was dehydrated slowly and intentionally to preserve not only flavor and aroma, but also the natural colors and textures of the plants themselves.

When you open the tea, it looks almost like confetti from the earth. Different colors, shapes, petals, and textures coming together in a way that feels alive.

All grown from the soil of the chinampas.