Tea was introduced to Kenya in 1903, but it wasn’t grown commercially until the 1920’s. It has long, sunny days, and rich, red, volcanic soils, which are excellent for growing tea. Currently, about 60% of it’s tea is processed by hand, by small farmers, which 40% is grown on large-scale industrial farms.
Who brought tea to Kenya?
Measuring just about 582,000 square kilometres, Kenya has about 198,000 hectares of tea plantations churning about 480, 000 tonnes of tea annually. Introduced in the country in 1903 by GWL Caine the crop would be commercialized 21 years later by Malcolm Fyers Bell.
What is the main tea growing area in Kenya?
Tea growing in Kenya: Tea is mainly grown in several districts which include Kericho, Bomet, Nandi, Kiambu, Thika, Maragua, Muranga, Sotik, Kisii, Nyamira, Nyambene, Meru, Nyeri, Kerinyaga, Embu, Kakamega, Nakuru and Trans-nzoia. In these areas the crop enjoys 80% favorable weather patterns.
Is Kenya known for tea?
Nevertheless, Kenya Tea is, undoubtedly, the best known. The country is also Africa’s largest producer, ranking fourth in the world according to some statistics. The local industry has two distinct divisions: the large-scale Tea plantation division and the small-scale Tea farms called smallholders.
Why Kenyan tea is the best in the world?
Kenyan tea is widely considered some of the best in the world because of their distinctive taste, quality and characteristics. … Kenyan tea creates a richer infusion than poorer quality tea which can leave you with a light or weak cup of tea. These individual tastes are created by the climate.
What is the best Kenyan tea?
Ajiri Kenyan Black Tea is exceptionally full-bodied and smooth. Winner of the “Best Black Tea” at the World Expo, this Kenyan Black Tea is grown in the Kisii Hills of western Kenya, an area known for its abundant rainfall and fertile soil.
Is Kenyan tea healthy?
About 25 years ago, Kenyans knew they had to invest in a tea plant that could withstand the inconsistencies that come with climate change. … Purple tea is a healthy, green alternative for tea drinkers. The leaf has a lower caffeine content than black tea and is comparable in taste to green tea.
What is the largest tea estate in Kenya?
KERICHO, Kenya Located 20 kilometers west of Kericho in Kenya’s rift valley highlands are some of the world’s largest tea estates.
Which coffee is grown in Kenya?
Kenya grows Coffea arabica exclusively. The Kenyan highlands, volcanic soils and good rainfall offer the best environment for production of high quality Kenya’s famous Arabica coffee.
Is tea farming profitable in Kenya?
It is notable that although Kenyan small -scale tea farmers are some of the best paid in the world in terms of net returns per kilo of green leaf, with farmers earning up to 75 per cent of the gross revenues, this good pay does not translate into economic wellbeing largely due to limited economies of scale.
What is Kenyan purple tea?
Grown in Kenya, Purple Tea is the only known cultivar to contain anthocyanin, the flavonoid responsible for giving blueberries and pomegranates their purplish color. … The flavor is similar to a white tea — medium-bodied, fairly light and vegetal with a well-rounded mouth feel and a subtle sweet finish.
Which country produces most tea in the world?
China remained the largest tea producing country with an output of 1.9 million tonnes, accounting for more than 38 percent of the world total, while production in India, the second largest producer, also increased to reach 1.2 million tonnes in 2013.
How many tea factories are there in Kenya?
Currently there are 66 operational tea factories under the KTDA (MS) Ltd management, each managed by a board of directors elected by and from among the growers of the specific factory catchment.
Which tea brand is the best?
The 11 best premium tea brands in the world
| Tea brand | Category | Price |
|---|---|---|
| TWG | Best luxury | $$$ |
| Republic of Tea | Best white | $$ |
| Tea Forte | Best tea sampler | $$$ |
| Harney & Sons | Best black tea | $$ |
What is Kenyan black tea?
Ajiri Kenyan Black Tea is exceptionally full-bodied and smooth. Winner of the “Best Black Tea” at the World Expo, this Kenyan Black Tea is grown in the Kisii Hills of western Kenya, an area known for its abundant rainfall and fertile soil.
Is there green tea in Kenya?
Shop Green Tea via Jumia Kenya
If you are thinking of going healthy, green tea is the secret. Shop for some of the trusted green tea brands including Melvins , Kericho Gold, Out of Africa and Finlay.