Malawi Toppest Oolong Tea

The immensely popular Malawi Toppest Oolong Tea, showcases all that is amazing about Malawi tea production; a country now recognised as the second largest tea producer in Africa after Kenya.

All oolong teas can famously help with digestion, and this brew is no exception. In fact, when consumed as part of a healthy and active lifestyle, Malawi Toppest Tea can not only improve the digestive system, but also enhance cognitive function, strengthen bones, and even reduce the risks of Type II Diabetes. Perhaps most amazing of all, these potential health benefits are barely scratching the surface of this tea and its true potential.

If, however, you have instead chosen Malawi Toppest Oolong Tea for taste alone then you have made an equally excellent choice. This rare African oolong has a large green leaf, resulting in a bright amber liquor. The flavour, meanwhile, is slightly green, with a notably toasty character.

The history of tea in Malawi largely began following economic disaster 3,500 miles away in what was then known as Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka). During the late 18th Century and up until the mid 19th Century, Ceylon had been famous for producing coffee (contrary to popular belief). This changed dramatically after a disease known as coffee rust ravaged the Ceylon coffee industry. Attention eventually turned to the production of tea in Ceylon, although many former coffee farmers and estate owners especially those of British nationality decided to start afresh elsewhere.

In 1891, some years after the Ceylon coffee rust outbreak, a Scottish planter called Henry Brown established himself in Malawi and began to cultivate tea. His Malawian estate became known as Nyasaland and was proven a tremendous success. Further plantations were later established with tea seeds brought over from South Africa. Coincidentally, these tea seeds had, in turn, originated from Ceylon.

Employing over 50,000 people during the peak season (51% of which are women; one of the largest percentages in the tea industry), and covering an estimated 18,000 hectares of tea-growing land, it is no surprise to hear that Malawi’s tea industry is currently booming. Of these 18,000 hectares, 9,000 hectares can be found in the area surrounding the Malawian town of Thyolo; 6,220 hectares around Mulanje; and 650 hectares in Nkhata Bay located on the western shore of Lake Malawi. The country’s tea exports, meanwhile, are over 35,000 tons annually; 64% of which is exported to the UK (that’s us!) and South Africa.

Type of Tea: Loose Leaf Oolong Tea.

Origin: Malawi.

Brewing Instructions: Brew using freshly boiled water left to cool to temperatures between 80 and 90 degrees. Following this, infuse for 2 to 3 minutes.

How to Serve: Add lemon for extra flavour, or enjoy this tea served without any accompaniments.

Tasting Notes: Defined grassy notes transcend this tea’s herbaceous aroma. Bolder in taste compared with that of our Malawi Top Fancy Tea, this beverage is a popular choice to start off the day.

Colour in Cup: Yellow liquor, light in tone.

Health Benefits: All Oolong teas are well equipped to aid with digestive health. Consider drinking Malawi Toppest Tea following large, fatty meals as it can help to alkalise the digestive tract, and subsequently reduce inflammation in anyone suffering from acid reflux or ulcer problems. Oolong Tea is also slightly antiseptic, meaning that it can clear bad bacteria in the stomach and other areas of the digestive system.