Kenya Black Matcha

Description

Welcome to the evolution of Kenyan tea. Black Matcha represents the next step in Kenya's long history of tea production. According to the Tea Board of Kenya, camellia sinensis was first planted in the country by a man named G.W.L. Canine in 1903, and was first cultivated commercially in the 1930s. Today, Kenya ranks third behind China and India in terms of tea production volume.

So how did Kenya grow to become such a global tea powerhouse? The answer lies in their rich tradition of tea innovation, a natural result of their position behind India as a black tea producer (China produces primarily green teas.) As they say, if you're in second place, you'll do whatever it takes to make it to first. Kenya's tea producers, in order to make their mark on the world stage have long experimented with various varietals, clones and production methods in order to help boost profits and attract foreign interest in their product. Unburdened by the more rigid traditions and expectations placed on tea production in China and India, in recent years Kenyan growers have begun experimenting with twig teas, whites, greens, oolongs and a whole lot more.

Kenya Black Matcha is the result of this tradition of experimentation. The tea is made by grinding a rich, full leaf black Kenyan tea, selected for its tannins and antioxidant count, using a Japanese style Matcha mill. Craft-ground in small quantities only, Kenya Black Matcha dazzles the palette with smooth, malty notes balanced by a pleasingly smooth astringency. When brewing this incredible tea, we encourage you to experiment with various lea quantities, water temperatures, and whisking duration until you find the strength that's perfect for you. Then, we recommend firing up the kettle, brewing a cup and raising a toast to innovation.

Matcha Fact: Matchas are so high in antioxidants due to the fact that unlike regular teas, in which the leaves are brewed and discarded, the leaves themselves are actually consumed.

Steeping Instructions

PRODUCT TYPE: Loose - Matcha

IDEAL BREWING TEMPERATURE: 85ºC/185ºF. For Food Safety reasons bring water to 100ºC/212ºF and let it cool down to 85ºC/185ºF.

ANTIOXIDANT BENEFIT: For a greater antioxidant benefit brew longer and use more tea.

FOOD SAFETY ADVISORY: We strongly recommend using filtered or freshly drawn cold water brought to a rolling boil when brewing all types of tea. Today's water has been known to carry viruses, parasites and bacteria. Boiling the water will kill these elements and reduce the potential incidence of water-borne illnesses.

Epic Iced Tea Instructions

Tea isn't just served hot!  Iced tea is one of the most refreshing and natural thirst quenchers around the world.  Here is our suggested method of brewing the best iced tea.

ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Pitcher): (To Make 1 Liter/Quart):

1. Place 6 slightly heaping teaspoons of loose tea or 6 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the tea.
3. Steep for 5 minutes.
4. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water.
5. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea or removing the bags.
6. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
7. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase
8. the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.

Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.

ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Individual Serving):

1. Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea or 1 tea bag into a teapot for each serving required.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the tea.
3. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes.
4. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea or removing the bags.
5. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving.
6. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted.

Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.

HERB & FRUIT ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Pitcher): (To Make 1 Liter/Quart):

1. Place 12 slightly heaping teaspoons of herb & fruit blend or 6 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the herb & fruit blend.
3. Steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water.
5. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea or removing the tea bags.
6. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
7. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced herb & fruit tea is to increase the strength of hot brew since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.

HERB & FRUIT ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Individual Serving):

1. Place 2 slightly heaping teaspoons of herb & fruit blend or 1 tea bag into a teapot for each serving required.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the herb & fruit blend.
3. Cover and let steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea or removing the bags.
5. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
6. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed herb & fruit tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted.