Purple Tea
Most of us are familiar with black tea, green tea and perhaps oolong tea. Aside from slight differences, they are pretty much all from the same plant, but processed differently. One of the more recent varietals within this family is purple tea. While technically from the same tea plant, this was cultivated from a wild occurring variety that had the "purple" mutation. More recently, the Kenyan government helped develop a more cultivated version of this tea that could provide a higher value for the Kenyan tea industry.
"Love it! My first time buying, and I love it. I will definitely be buying again. Recommending purple tea to my friend." - V.W.
PURPLE TEA WHOLE LEAF
This is the original pure purple tea from the Nandi Hills region of Kenya. Purple tea has a unique flavor profile that is different from other types of tea. It is often described as having a sweet, floral taste with notes of raspberry, blackberry, and a slight earthy or grassy undertone.
Is Purple Tea actually purple?
Yes, purple tea is actually purple! Due to the presence of anthocyanins, the same natural pigments found in fruits and vegetables that are blue and purple, the leaves of the tea plant produce a purple tea with a purple coloration. Once brewed, purple tea can range in color from a pale yellow to a bright pink-purple hue, depending on variables such as steeping time and temperature. This unique coloration is one of the things that sets purple tea apart from other types of tea.
Purple Tea origins and benefits
Modern purple tea is harvested from the Nandi Hills region in Kenya, where it thrives at high elevations (also known as pest free zones) and exposure to nearly 12 hours of sun a day. This UV exposure also promotes high EGCG content, the same type of powerful anti-oxidant found in green tea.
Along with EGCG, it contains l-theanine, the amino acid only found in tea which helps to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. It promotes calm awareness, which is the best of both worlds!
We all know about some familiar crops such as blueberries, red cabbage, egg plants & purple grapes. The reason for this color is the presence of anti-oxidants known as anthocyanins. Purple foods have been shown to support cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, improve brain function and even reverse the effects of UV damage.
Purple Tea Flavor
Purple tea has a clean light body similar to green tea, but without the grassy undertones. It has a flavor not too different from an oolong tea, with some light floral notes. Because of this, it is ideal for blending with other teas and allows you to enjoy the purple tea benefits, plus the additional benefits provided by the other teas and ingredients.
Caffeine in purple tea
Because purple tea is brewed at slightly lower temperatures (below boiling), and it's not fully oxidized, the caffeine content is low, equivalent to most green teas. Because of the antioxidants however, it still goes through the blood brain barrier and helps provide you with stimulation, but not by assaulting you with very high caffeine levels.
How to brew purple tea
Purple tea is pretty forgiving. Simply brew it according to the instructions provided, which usually starts with one heaping teaspoon per cup, and steep for 2-4 minutes. We recommend using water that is slightly below boiling. The longer you steep, the more flavor and distinctive pinkish color you'll reveal.
