What Is Purple Tea?
Purple tea is a rare variety of Camellia sinensis grown primarily in the high-altitude gardens of Kenya. Unlike green or black tea, purple tea leaves contain high concentrations of anthocyanins — the same powerful antioxidants found in blueberries and açaí — which give the leaves their distinctive violet hue.
Where Does Purple Tea Come From?
Kenya's tea-growing regions, particularly around the Nandi Hills, provide the ideal climate for purple tea cultivation: rich volcanic soil, high altitude, and intense equatorial sunlight. These conditions concentrate the anthocyanins in the leaves, creating a tea that's as visually striking as it is nutritionally potent.
What Does Purple Tea Taste Like?
Purple tea has a smooth, earthy flavor with subtle woody notes and a clean, light finish. It's significantly less astringent than black tea and more complex than most green teas — making it approachable for new tea drinkers and fascinating for seasoned ones.
Why Is Purple Tea Good for You?
- Antioxidant-rich: Higher anthocyanin concentration than green or black tea
- Low caffeine: About half the caffeine of green tea — clean energy, no jitters
- Anti-inflammatory: Supports cellular health and immune function
- Cognitive support: Anthocyanins are linked to improved focus and brain health
- Cholesterol support: Emerging research points to cardiovascular benefits
How Do You Brew Purple Tea?
Brew at 175–185°F for 2–3 minutes using 1 tsp of loose leaf per 8 oz of water. Avoid boiling water — it can mute the delicate flavor. For a stronger cup, add more leaves rather than steeping longer.
Where Can You Try Purple Tea?
At TeaAsha, we source our purple tea directly from Kenyan gardens and hand-pack every order fresh. Try our Pure Kenyan Purple Tea on its own, or explore it blended in our Aura collection — each blend is crafted to highlight purple tea's unique wellness properties.