Most people might think that Asia is the continent that produces the most tea in the world; and that's true, but Africa is the third largest continent where the Camellia sinensis plant is grown and harvested. Some of its varieties rank among the best in the world. In this post, we bring you 10 traditional types of African teas.
Tea arrived in Africa in the 19th century from India with Assam tea , and it is still produced today. It was brought to Africa by the English, who wanted to test whether those lands were as productive as those in Asia.
Today, the finest varieties of black tea and other native varieties, such as Rooibos , are grown. The first tea-growing country was Uganda, where the land was found to be suitable for black tea cultivation.
1. African Teas. Kinneliba
The leaves of the Kinneliba plant grow in Senegal, Mali, and Sierra Leone, specifically on the banks of streams. Its properties are used to combat fatigue and headaches, and it also has detoxifying properties.
During Ramadan, Africans drink their infusion at night, after eating. They sweeten the preparation with sugar and add milk. Kinneliba tea is drunk cold or hot and can be mixed with other teas.
It's also known as Sahel tea because it's a popular beverage among Sahelians. They prepare it like this:
- Boil half a liter of water with 5 tablespoons of Kinneliba.
- Remove from heat and let it infuse for 10 minutes.
- Sugar is added.
At Tétique, we are proud to offer an exceptional selection of teas and infusions that will allow you to enjoy the authentic African tea experience.
Our African teas have been carefully selected to offer you unique and authentic flavors that will transport you to the distant lands of Africa. From the rich and stimulating South African Rooibos to the smooth and balanced North African Peppermint Tea , each variety has been carefully chosen to ensure an unparalleled experience.
Our African infusions capture the vibrant aromas and flavors of this fascinating region, giving you an experience full of vitality and freshness.
2. Purple tea
In recent years, one of the most innovative African teas has emerged: purple tea. The purple leaves and colorings are found in the Camellia sinensis and Camellia taliensis plants. The most popular is produced in Kenya, and its varieties come from Assam.
Purple tea is low in caffeine and is grown in extreme climates with abundant sun exposure. When ripe, its leaves are harvested by hand. Its high antioxidant content is believed to reduce the absorption of body fat.
3. African teas. red bissap
Red bissap tea is very similar to hibiscus and is widely consumed in North Africa. In Egypt, it's called karkadé and in Gambia, wanjo. It's reddish in color and is often used during festivities. It's also used ornamentally because it has very showy flowers and is believed to have aphrodisiac properties.
In Senegal, it's drunk cold to take advantage of its refreshing effect. It's prepared as follows:
- A handful of hibiscus flowers is soaked in water for several hours.
- It sneaks in.
- Sugar is added.
- Squeeze the juice of half a lemon and a few drops of orange blossom.
- You can add a few mint leaves.
4. Kenyan black tea
It's a tea of excellent quality, aromatic, and very robust. It's high in theine, very astringent, and many varieties have notes of cocoa or black berries. It's a good choice for those who like to drink black tea with a splash of milk.
5. Zomba Pearls White Tea
Being a white tea, it has many antioxidants and polyphenols, making it very beneficial for the body. Among its countless benefits is that it reduces the risk of cancer. Other properties include increasing energy levels and helping with weight loss.
This tea is highly valued for its aroma and smooth flavor, pleasing to the palate. You can even find fruity or floral notes, some with a buttery flavor. It can be drunk at any time of day. Choose the occasion that best suits you.
6. African teas. Rooibos
Another African tea is Rooibos tea , well-known throughout the world, often for its antioxidant properties. It's widely consumed by athletes because it restores the minerals they lose while exercising.
On the other hand, the benefits of rooibos are many. It's a powerful diuretic, suitable for those who don't like consuming caffeine, as rooibos tea doesn't contain any. It has a pleasant flavor and can be drunk by anyone.
7. African Teas. Honeybush
Also known as "honeybush," honeybush is produced in South Africa and its stems and flowers are from the Cyclopia plant, which grows in the south of the country near mountain slopes. It has a reddish color and a mild, sweet flavor, similar to Rooibos.
Honeybush also has properties such as its high mineral content, digestive properties, antioxidants, fungicidal properties, antispasmodic properties, and antidepressants. It can be drunk at any time of day; it has a honey-like aroma and is smooth and refreshing.
8. Zimbabwe black tea
Although tea production is not well-known in this country, the varieties produced are of high quality. Considered one of the African teas, Zimbabwe black tea is used as a base for preparing chai tea orcocoa tea . One of the reasons for its low popularity is that it is consumed only within the country itself.
9. Tanzanian Tea
It was only after World War II that this country began producing Camellia sinensis. Today, a large number of black teas are produced, among which the following stand out: a slightly nutty flavor, character, and full body.
10. African Teas. Zobo Drink
It's a typical African beverage because it's widely seen during festivities; it's nutritious and refreshing. It contains many vitamins, including A and C, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. The tea is prepared by combining all the ingredients in a pot with hot water. It's then allowed to steep for an hour to cool and allow its flavors to concentrate.
At Tétique, we are proud to distribute high-quality African teas in Spain. We are dedicated to bringing the best of Africa's authentic flavors and aromas directly to your cup.
If you're looking to delight your customers with the most exquisite African teas, look no further. Tétique is your trusted partner as an African tea distributor in Spain. Discover the diversity of African flavors and add a unique touch to your business with our high-quality African teas.
Trust Tétique as your supplier of African teas and enjoy passion, authenticity, and excellence in every cup. We're here to take you on a sensorial journey through the captivating flavors of Africa.
