Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Purple
Where to Buy: Wanja Tea of Kenya
Tea Description:
Wanja Purple Tea of Kenya is a very rare tea that has sweet woodsy notes with a pleasant lingering astringency. While it is still derived from the same plant (Camellia Sinensis) that produces traditional Black and Green Tea, Wanja Purple Tea is rich inanthocyanin (a water soluble pigment that is found in red cranberries and grapes) which gives it the distinctive purple leaves.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
I haven’t yet had many occasions to try purple teas. I’ve tried a few, and I’ve really enjoyed those that I’ve tried. So, when Wanja Tea of Kenya approached me with the opportunity to try their purple tea, I was very excited.
And now that I sit here, tasting it, I can say that the tea has not disappointed me. It is really delicious. It has a smooth creaminess that reminds me of an Oolong or a buttery green tea. The texture is rich and thick – almost like a broth, and there are compelling notes of wood and earth, as well as hints of vegetable and fruit within this cup. It has so much flavor to it, so many dynamic layers of flavor – but it isn’t what I’d call robust. It is soothing and calming.
As I continue to sip, I notice that the woody tones really emerge, and there seems to be a hint of spice along with it, making it vaguely reminiscent of a Darjeeling, but this has more body to it. The vegetative notes continue to linger in the distance, not exactly what I’d call grassy, exactly, but more like a very mild vegetable – like white beans. It even has the creaminess that reminds me very much of a bean soup.
I am really enjoying this tea and all the flavors it has presented. This is currently the only tea that Wanja Tea of Kenya offers, but, they picked a really good one for their benchmark tea. I hope it is indicative of what’s to come from this new company, because they’ve certainly piqued my interest!
