The Land
Prata Herbarium sources medicinal herbs grown in Eastern Ontario and Quebec — a region known for its clay-heavy soils and short, intense growing seasons that concentrate essential oils and active compounds in plants.
Our own farm near Vankleek Hill, Ontario is where we're establishing our core herb cultivation. The area has a long history of brick production — evidence of the truly exceptional clay deposits left by the ancient Champlain Sea. We're starting with herbs that thrive in heavy clay: valerian and marshmallow roots, calendula, lemon balm, and anise hyssop. As we expand our land and infrastructure, more of our product line will be grown on-site.
Until our farm reaches full production capacity, we work with trusted regional growers who share our commitment to quality and natural cultivation practices. Every harvest is traceable to its source.
The Process
Whether grown on our own farm or sourced from regional partners, our approach is consistent: naturally air-dry (no artificial heat), preserve quality, and package in small batches.
We dry herbs in shade with strong airflow, preserving color, aroma, and active compounds. Aerial parts like calendula, yarrow, and lemon balm are dried on racks. Root crops like valerian and marshmallow are washed, sliced, and dried thoroughly to prevent degradation.
We don't make exaggerated claims. Instead, we prioritize transparency and consistency. Every label includes the harvest date and a lot code that traces back to the field and season.
Our Signature Difference
The Clay Advantage
5,000+ppm
Calcium
High
Magnesium
Elevated
CEC Rating
~10kyrs
Deposit Age
Champlain Sea clay — Hawkesbury, Ontario
Ancient Champlain Sea Clay
Thousands of years ago, the Champlain Sea covered Eastern Ontario and Quebec, depositing layers of fine marine clay rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, and dozens of trace minerals. When the sea receded, it left behind some of the most mineral-dense soil in North America.
Our farm in Hawkesbury sits squarely on this formation. The heavy clay retains nutrients and moisture far longer than sand or loam, creating a slow-release mineral bank that feeds herb roots throughout the growing season.
This is measurable, not marketing: soil tests confirm elevated calcium levels (5,000+ ppm), strong magnesium, and a CEC (cation exchange capacity) that ensures minerals are plant-available rather than locked away.
Why It Matters for Your Cup
Plants are biochemical factories, and their raw materials come from soil. Herbs grown in mineral-rich clay produce higher concentrations of essential oils, flavonoids, and medicinal compounds. Valerian roots develop more valerenic acid. Calendula flowers concentrate more lutein. Lemon balm leaves carry stronger rosmarinic acid.
Clay soil also stresses plants in a productive way. Roots must work harder to penetrate dense clay, which triggers the plant's defense chemistry — the same compounds that give herbs their medicinal potency. It's a natural version of what viticulturists call terroir.
An honest note
Clay is difficult to farm. It bakes hard in summer, turns to mud in spring, and demands careful timing and soil amendments. We chose it deliberately because the quality payoff is real — but we won't pretend it's easy.
Why Prata
Premium quality, smart value, honest practices — without the noise.
Locally Grown & Verifiable
Our herbs grow on mineral-rich Champlain Sea clay near Vankleek Hill, Ontario — not imported from unknown supply chains with unverifiable growing practices. Every tin and pouch carries a harvest date and lot code so you know exactly what you're buying, when it was picked, and where it came from.
Premium Without the Premium Tax
The 200 g tube is the eye-catcher — a genuine gift-grade format. The 113 g tin looks beautiful on any kitchen shelf and lasts for years. When you know what you love, the 140 g refill pouch gives you more tea for the same price. Premium quality, smarter economics.
Eco-Smart, Not Eco-Noise
Every Prata blend is loose leaf — steeped through a metal infuser, never a bag. That matters: conventional tea bags (nylon, polypropylene, even most paper ones) shed billions of microplastic particles into each cup during steeping. Loose leaf through metal delivers none of that. The tube is recyclable. The tin is reused indefinitely. The refill pouch is compostable. The spent herbs go to compost. Less packaging waste per cup than any bagged tea. We don't lead with green slogans — we just designed every format so the sustainability story is honest, not aspirational.
Harvest-date traceability on every label. Loose-leaf formats at every price point — no bags, no microplastics in your cup. A refill system that rewards loyalty without demanding compromise. That's the brand — no manifesto required.