Was wondering if anyone else on the board had ever tried any quality (i.e. not the mass market bagged stuff) teas from Africa? I just tried a white tea called White Antlers, from a Malawi plantation, and it was *amazing*--probably one of the most unique-tasting white teas I've ever had. And it lasted for an long time, too--I was getting 4-5 strong brews off of it easily. The downside being that it's a specialty product, and really expensive.
Anyway, it's made me curious about what other hidden tea-treasures from Africa might be lurking out there--any recommendations?
Jan 30th, '13, 17:27
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hopeofdawn
Jan 30th, '13, 17:36
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Re: Quality African Teas?
Where did you purchase it?
African teas are coming along. They used to be almost all CTC or BOP or worse and used in blending for the larger brands/mass market ... and to me all seemingly tasting somewhere between a Ceylon and an Assam, neither of which I am particularly fond of.
Thus ... and unfortunately, I did not take advantage of the opportunity to sample the lots and lots of African teas that were well represented at the WorldTeaExpo.
African teas are coming along. They used to be almost all CTC or BOP or worse and used in blending for the larger brands/mass market ... and to me all seemingly tasting somewhere between a Ceylon and an Assam, neither of which I am particularly fond of.
Thus ... and unfortunately, I did not take advantage of the opportunity to sample the lots and lots of African teas that were well represented at the WorldTeaExpo.
Re: Quality African Teas?
By chance is it the Rare Tea Company one?
I've been wanting to try it, but wasn't sure if it was worth the price. Nice that it sounds good though.
I've been wanting to try it, but wasn't sure if it was worth the price. Nice that it sounds good though.
Jan 31st, '13, 10:31
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hopeofdawn
Re: Quality African Teas?
I believe that's the same tea--there only seems to be one plantation that produces it, near as I can tell, anyway. I got mine through a local tea shop--Phoenix Tea, in Buren, WA-- http://phoenix-teashop.com/store/en/. Not much cheaper, price-wise, but at least I wasn't getting hit with the pound-to-dollar conversion rates plus shipping. If you're in the UK, though, Rare Teas is probably a lot more reasonable.
If you like white teas, I would definitely recommend this one. It's very much a white, with a very silky taste, but it has a really unique mouthfeel to it--the best way I can describe the taste is that its almost champagne-like around the edges. Plus I've never seen a tea made entirely of new sprouts before, with no leaves--the results are pretty interesting!
If you like white teas, I would definitely recommend this one. It's very much a white, with a very silky taste, but it has a really unique mouthfeel to it--the best way I can describe the taste is that its almost champagne-like around the edges. Plus I've never seen a tea made entirely of new sprouts before, with no leaves--the results are pretty interesting!
Re: Quality African Teas?
Slightly off topic while being on topic..
Phoenix Tea Shop has purple tea? That's kind of neat. Looks like a nice little shop. I might have to try an order from them sometime.
Phoenix Tea Shop has purple tea? That's kind of neat. Looks like a nice little shop. I might have to try an order from them sometime.
Re: Quality African Teas?
If you like Assam teas or Fujian congous, you might appreciate the tea from the Tinderet estate in Kenya. They are doing some very interesting things with their black teas.