Bois Cheri Tea Plantation and Museum (Bois Chéri)
Overview
Nestled amidst the lush, rolling hills of southern Mauritius, the Bois Cheri Tea Factory stands as a cornerstone of Mauritian tea production and culture. This historic establishment, complete with its expansive plantation and museum, boasts a rich legacy intricately woven into the island's heritage. Despite common misconceptions, Bois Cheri is located near the village of Bois Cheri in Rivière des Anguilles, rather than in Pamplemousses. However, its significance to the entire island is undeniable.
Founded in 1892, the Bois Cheri Tea Factory is one of Mauritius’s oldest tea plantations. Over the years, it has undergone numerous transformations, evolving from traditional methods to modern techniques while preserving the essence of time-honored practices. Initially, tea production on the island was a small-scale endeavor, primarily managed by families of Indian descent who had immigrated to Mauritius. These early tea gardens were cultivated by hand, demanding intensive labor and meticulous care.
As the demand for tea grew, so did Bois Cheri. By the mid-20th century, it had blossomed into a bustling hub of activity, where skilled workers meticulously processed tea leaves to ensure the highest quality product. The factory employed a combination of manual labor and rudimentary machinery, which was quite advanced for its time. This development included the installation of specialized equipment, such as withering troughs, rolling machines, fermenting rooms, and drying ovens—all essential for transforming freshly plucked leaves into the exquisite tea products enjoyed worldwide.
The plantation itself spans many hectares of verdant landscape, with tea bushes neatly aligned across the terrain. Each bush is carefully tended by experienced tea pluckers, who selectively gather the youngest and freshest leaves—known as "two leaves and a bud"—to ensure the superior quality of Bois Cheri tea. Flourishing in the highland climate, the tea plants benefit from regular rainfall and warm temperatures, which imbue the tea with its distinct flavor profile.
In the late 20th century, Bois Cheri expanded its horizons to include tourism, recognizing an opportunity to share its rich story with the world. This initiative led to the establishment of the Bois Cheri Tea Museum, a testament to the plantation’s commitment to preserving and educating visitors about its heritage. Located within the factory premises, the museum houses an impressive collection of antique machinery, historical documents, and exhibits that illustrate the intricate processes and history of tea making on the island.
Visitors to Bois Cheri are treated to guided tours that detail every step of the tea production process. They can observe the withering, rolling, fermenting, and drying phases while gaining insights into the science and tradition behind each step. The museum also features interactive displays and historical narratives, providing a comprehensive understanding of tea cultivation and its significance in Mauritius.
A highlight of any visit to Bois Cheri is the tea tasting session. In a charming, colonial-style building overlooking the plantation, visitors can sample an array of teas produced on the estate. From rich, full-bodied black teas to delicate, aromatic green teas and unique local blends, this tasting experience offers a sensory exploration of Bois Cheri’s finest offerings. Not only does it provide a taste of the island’s flavors, but it also allows visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship involved in every cup of tea.
In recent years, Bois Cheri has also focused on sustainable practices and eco-friendly methods. The plantation has adopted initiatives such as organic farming, reducing pesticide usage, and implementing more efficient water management techniques. These efforts are aimed at ensuring both the long-term health of the environment and the quality of their tea products.
Today, Bois Cheri has become an integral part of Mauritius's cultural and economic landscape. Its journey from a small family-run plantation to a prominent tourist destination and leader in the tea industry is a remarkable story of tradition blended with innovation. The Bois Cheri Tea Factory, Plantation, and Museum continue to offer an authentic experience, celebrating the art and history of tea making in one of the world’s most idyllic settings.