Kenyan Tea

This is our “house” Kenyan Tea, a Loose Leaf variety boasting distinct malty flavours with earthy undertones. It comes from the East Africa country of the same name, a country that in fact produces 50% of the UK’s Tea.

Some of it indeed passes through the nurturing hands of The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company, where we pack it fresh to order. This ensures not only quality but also consistency.

Furthermore, drinking Kenyan Tea could, in theory, improve your life in small yet significant ways. This is because of its well-documented Black Tea benefits, which, according to scientists, can improve heart health and reduce diabetes risks.

There are also suggestions that it promotes weight loss by boosting the metabolism of fat cells. What more could you want from your new favourite brew?

About Kenyan Tea

Our Kenyan Tea is of single estate origin in close association with the Kenya Tea Development Agency Holdings Ltd (KTDA). It is but one of hundreds of varieties available today, with each one having something unique to offer. However, despite its popularity, Kenyan Tea as a whole is a relatively ‘new’ creation dating back to only 1903.

It was a Briton named G.W.L. Caine who first planted Tea in Kenya at the beginning of the 20th century – albeit for ornamental purposes. It wasn’t until 1918, in fact, that a Scotsman, Arnold Butler, realised its true potential.

Years earlier, Butler had purchased a farm, Kiambethu, from the British government. Located 20 miles from Nairobi at an elevation of 7,200 ft, there were several challenges yet to come.

Initially, Butler had intended to grow Coffee. However, his crop promptly failed – as did all other plants. But, in time, Tea proved to be a tremendous success, with Arnold eventually cultivating 20 acres of Indian Camellia sinensis var assamica.

To this day, Kiambethu Farm remains in the hands of the McDonnell family. Kenya’s overall Tea industry, meanwhile, is thriving.

Useful Information

Type of Tea: Black Tea.

Origin: Kenya, East Africa.

Brewing Instructions: Brew using freshly boiled water. Infuse for 3 to 5 minutes.

How to Serve: Milk or a Milk Alternative for Tea, sugar, honey or lemon – the choice is yours! Alternatively, serve black.

Tasting Notes: Enjoy sweet, almost chocolatey notes with smooth, earthy undertones.

Colour in Cup: Amber liquor, light in tone.

Benefits You Get from Kenya Tea

The antioxidants in Kenyan Tea can, in fact, improve oral health. This is according to a study conducted in conjunction with the College of Dentistry at the University of Iowa and the Institute of Odontology at Göteborg University.

Both the US and Swedish researchers concluded that the polyphenolic compounds in Black Tea could kill or suppress cavity-causing bacteria.

Furthermore, did you know that caffeine, too, can support health and wellbeing in a multitude of ways? According to research, the Effects of Caffeine improve life in small yet significant ways by, for example, boosting memory consolidation.

A study out of John Hopkins University in Baltimore, USA, can support this remarkable claim with evidence. It concluded that a 200 mg caffeine pill is all it might take to help those living with dementia. Pretty neat for your morning cuppa, huh?