FAQ

• What is Purple Tea? Purple tea is a non-GMO plant which is part of the Camelia Sinensis tea family, the same plant as black, green and white tea. The Kenya Tea Research Institute developed the Purple tea hybrid to combat climate change after over 20-year-long research project to find a suitable cultivar culminating in 2011 with the cultivar "TRFK306". In present day, this cultivar is grown in shambas(farms) on the slopes of the Aberdare Range, Mt. Kenya  and Nandi Hills region and has become a significant economic factor for the Kenyan tea industry. Purple tea is purple because of the natural anthocyanin content, which is a natural antioxidant present in the leaves. Just like in acai, blueberries, pomegranates these anthocyanins act as antioxidants. Purple tea is rich in catechins and contains more antioxidants, less caffeine and is super delicious.

  • ​Where does it grow: Our tea is exclusively grown on the slopes of Mt. Kenya and the Aberdare range where the cooler conditions due to the high altitude creates the perfect growing conditions for the best purple tea. Our tea is organically grown free of pesticides and only goat manure is used as fertilizer. 

  • ​Processing Purple Tea: Once the leaves are harvested, they undergo the withering process to remove moisture by passing air though spread-out leaves. Then, they are Pan-Fried in a quick steam treatment that ensures the leaves maintain the purple color. To further enhance the taste and quality of the tea, purple tea leaves are traditionally rolled, twisted, or curled into tight balls or thin strands depending on the artisanal shaping skills of the tea master. Finally leaves are then dried and sorted as per their size and quality.  The intense labor makes certain Kenyan purple tea types such as "purple tea tips" or "1 leaf and a bud" extremely rare.

  • ​How to brew it: Brew 1-2 teaspoons of tea leaves with 8 fl oz. of water at 170-180 °F. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes.  You can enjoy it hot, or for a cold breezy drink, you can add crushed ice to it. Although very pleasant in taste already, you can add honey or sugar to sweeten the brew according to your taste. 

 

• What is Yellow Tea? Yellow tea is a type of tea derived from the leaves, buds and shoots of the camellia sinensis plant species. Yellow tea is rich in antioxidants, sweet and pleasant.

  • Where does it Grow? Our tea is exclusively grown on the slopes of Mt. Kenya and the Aberdare range where the cooler conditions creates the perfect growing conditions for the best yellow tea. Our tea is organically grown free of pesticides and only goat manure is used as fertilizer.

  • Processing Yellow Tea:  Yellow Tea undergoes a production process that is like green tea but includes one extra step. Once the leaves are harvested, they are immediately dried using direct sunlight or a gentle pan firing. Once dry, the leaves are wrapped in wet paper or cloth to induce a mild oxidation process through steaming. The yellow tea leaves are oxidized for up to three days and may undergo additional firing or drying rounds, which enables it to conceal its astringency and enhanced aromatics. This tea processing method produces a yellowing effect on the tea leaves which makes this tea the most fine and rare artisan made tea.

  • How to brew it: Brew 1-2 teaspoons of tea leaves with 8 fl oz. of water at 170-180 °F for 3 minutes. For a richer cup, this tea should be steeped for a longer period than other teas by adding water of higher degrees to release its sweet fragrance. Herbs can be added or honey but NOT milk. You can enjoy it hot, or for a cold breezy drink, you can add crushed ice to it. Although very pleasant in taste already, you can add honey or sugar to sweeten the brew according to your taste.

 

• Our teas are available in 3.5oz bags/100g bags and on wholesale(Please inquire for pricing).

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• Do we sell wholesale for resale? Yes, we do sell wholesale for retail selling, kindly reach us at tamutealeaves@gmail.com for pricing and we will get back to you within the same day.

 

• What is the refund policy? If you are not 100% satisfied with your Tamu tea, please let us know and we'll do everything we can to make you 100% satisfied. Please reach out to tamutealeaves@gmail.com

 

• For more information  questions and or concerns please reach us at tamutealeaves@gmail.com .