W-KE-009

Kenyan Purple White

Anthocyanin-rich white, from Nandi Hills, Kenya.

White tea

Kenyan Purple White is strongest on smoothness, fruity and sweetness. Typical tasting words: plum, red berry, hibiscus, nectar. Bred by the Tea Research Foundation of Kenya for UV resistance and high anthocyanin pigments, processed gently as a white style. A modern export specialty tea showing Kenya's transition from bulk CTC production into artisanal whole-leaf markets.

Also known as Purple White Tea and Kenya Purple Needle.

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The profile

Taste, 0 to 5

sweetness3bitterness1astringency2umami0brightness3body2smoothness4aroma intensity3finish length3

Flavour families, 0 to 5

floral2fruity4vegetal1marine0nutty0toasty0malty0honey2spicy0woody0earthy0smoky0creamy0citrus1stone fruit1tropical0cocoa0caramel0

Facts

Origin: Nandi Hills, Kenya
Plant: Camellia sinensis f. formosensis, TRFK 306/1 cultivar
Harvest: year-round, dry period peak
Elevation: high
Oxidation: 5 to 15%
Roast: unroasted
Leaf: bud and leaf
Price band: mid-range
Availability: specialist
Ageing: a little
Forgiving to brew: 4 of 5
L-theanine: low

Made by: hand picking, then indoor air withering, then gentle drying.

Caffeine

A cup of Kenyan Purple White carries a typical estimate of 30 mg of caffeine, within a range of 20 to 40 mg depending on leaf amount, water temperature and steeping time. Figures are estimates for a 240 ml cup. Better earlier in the day if you are sensitive to caffeine. The caffeine planner turns this into a daily total.

How to brew it

Method	Leaf	Water	Steeps
Western, 250 ml	3 g	80 to 85 °C	3 min, 4 min, 5 min
Gongfu, 100 ml	4 g	85 to 90 °C	25 s, 30 s, 45 s, 60 s, 90 s, 2 min
Cold brew, 250 ml	3 g	Fridge	8 to 12 hours

Up to 3 infusions. Scale for your own pot with the brew calculator.

Drinking it

morning
afternoon
afternoon
hot_weather
relaxing

Pairs with salads, fruit and cheese. Milk: no. Iced: yes. Sweetener: no. Good for beginners: yes.