Purple Leaf

from $15.00

An innovative and uniquely Kenyan tea

amount:

2 oz (16-24 cups) 5 oz (40-60 cups) 8 oz (64-96 cups)

Quantity:

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An innovative and uniquely Kenyan tea

Blending Ideas

Purple leaf is a milky, slightly tart flavor similar to (but more tart than) many Chinese oolongs. It is especially worth experimenting with elderberry and other fruits. Spices can overpower the subtle flavor, but this might not be an issue for you! For herbs, try lemongrass and juniper.

Story

Purple teas are native to Yunnan and India, yet the Kenyan purple leaf teas that are mass-produced are from a unique cultivar developed in the last few decades in Kenya. Kenyan purple teas are unique in appearance (both the liquor and the purple-colored tea bush) and the flavor is similar to that of many oolongs. The purplish color comes from an antioxidant called Anthocyanin which is highly concentrated in the tea leaves and is also found in blueberries. The healthier the tea plant is, the more purple it is in color. The processing methods for purple tea is varied - they can be steamed (similar to Japanese green teas), pan-fried (like Longjing), or fully oxidized and rolled like black teas.