Teas From Africa

Learn more about African teas and what makes them so special.

The History of African Teas

In the late 1800s, British settlers brought tea plants to their African colonies. Malawi had the first commercial tea plantation in 1891, and then Kenya and South Africa did the same in 1903 and 1904. Tea quickly became an important export crop for these countries, and the business grew quickly over the next century.
The nationalisation of tea estates in Kenya, after the country gained its independence in 1963, and the development of new tea varieties and processing methods to fit the climate and soil of Africa, are two important events that have changed the African tea industry. Africa is the third largest continent that makes tea, and Kenya is the world's largest exporter of black tea.

The places in Africa where tea is grown

Teas from Africa are grown in several different countries. The soil and weather in each area are different, which makes the teas taste different. The main places where crops are grown are:

• Kenya: Kenya is known for its tea gardens at high altitudes. These gardens grow strong, full-bodied black teas with a rich, malty taste.
• Africa, South: South African teas are known for their floral and fruity notes and bright red colour. Rooibos tea, which is grown there, has no caffeine.
• Malawi: Malawi was the first country in Africa to grow tea. It makes a variety of teas that taste smooth and mild, including black, green, and white teas.

Most Popular Tea Estates in Africa

Some of Africa's most famous tea plantations are:

• Kericho Tea Estates (Kenya): This estate has been around since 1924 and is known for its strong, malty black teas.
• South Africa's Rooibos Ltd. This company, which has been around since 1954, is the world's biggest producer of rooibos tea. They focus on sustainable and fair farming methods.
• Satemwa Tea Estate (Malawi): Since 1923, Satemwa has been run by the same family. They use traditional methods to make a variety of teas, including rare artisanal white and green teas.

In addition to these well-known estates, many smaller producers in Africa make great teas, providing tea lovers with a wide range of flavours.

African teas have different tastes because of their origins.

African teas are known for their unique tastes and aroma, which come from the different places where they grow. To fully enjoy the taste of African teas, you need to brew them the right way:

• Kenyan black teas are strong and best with a splash of milk. If you want to sweeten them, you can add sugar or honey.
• Africa, South Rooibos tea: Rooibos tastes best when brewed for 6–8 minutes. You can drink it plain or with a little milk and sugar.
• Malawian teas: Brew these delicate teas for 2 to 4 minutes. You don't need to add anything to them to enjoy their subtle tastes.

Teas from Africa have a wide range of delicious flavours because the continent has a long history and different growing conditions. By learning about the other regions, estates, and ways to brew these exceptional African teas, tea lovers can go on a journey of discovery and appreciation. So, why not broaden your tea horizons and explore the wonderful world of African tea?

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