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Each 0.88 oz Tin contains approximately 8-10 servings. Depending on steeping method, each serving can yield 2-3 cups, for a total of 16-24 cups per tin.
Mirik Valley, Darjeeling
Autumn, November
5500-7000 ft
Special Assam cultivar
Whole leaf purple Tea
This limited edition purple loose leaf batch was made exclusively for Herbs & Kettles.
It is made from a rare, mutated variety of Camellia sinensis Assamica, which develops a purple hue due to an increased presence of anthocyanin pigments. Anthocyanin pigments, rich in antioxidants, are also found in certain flowers, fruits such as blueberries, and vegetables. Our High Mountain Purple Tea is handpicked, composed of two leaves, and then crafted similarly to green tea, where it is pan-fried to halt oxidation. The purple tea boasts lovely, subtle aromas and flavors reminiscent of honey, cantaloupes, dates, holy basil, and grass. Interestingly, the addition of a few drops of lime results in the tea developing a light pink color due to the presence of anthocyanins.
In India, purple tea leaf bushes were first discovered in Assam and were growing in the wild. In 1903, a British settler named G.W.L. Caine took purple tea plants from Assam and planted a few in Limuru, Kenya. While purple tea production in Kenya thrives, India has recently started producing small artisanal batches. This small, limited micro-ghani batch was made especially for us. So, if you would like to purchase the best-quality purple tea online, you can find it exclusively at Herbs & Kettles.
Low
Number of infusions per 2.5 g: 3
2.5 gms of tea (use a digital scale)
120-150 ml (4-5 fl-oz) or 1/2 - 2/3rd cup of water at 80°C - 85°C (or 175°F - 185°F)
This tea works great for the gongfu style as it helps coax out all the subtle flavors.
We recommend 5 gm of tea
100 ml water (approximate 10-20 ml of water per 1 gm of tea) at 85°C - 90°C (or 185°F - 195°F).
Origin
Mirik is a small charming town nestled in the serene hills of Darjeeling district in West Bengal, India. At an elevation of 5000 ft., it is surrounded by lush tea gardens, orange orchards, cardamom plantations, and forests of tall, dark Japanese cedars. Mirik, pronounced as Mir-yok, means ‘a place burnt by fire’ in Lepcha. Its cool and moist climate makes it the perfect setting for growing tea.
Indulge in the unique health benefits of purple tea, crafted from a rare Camellia sinensis assamica cultivar. Rich in antioxidants such as anthocyanins, and polyphenols, this exceptional blend offers more than a delightful cup. Elevate your tea experience and savor the extraordinary blend with potential cognitive boosts, anti-viral properties, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Read more about: Unveiling Purple Tea's Health Benefits: Origins, Caffeine, and Steeping Techniques
Meet
Red pandas dwell in the Eastern Himalayan region of India and also in China. They are skillful acrobats that are arboreal. They are mostly herbivorous and their name comes from a Nepali word “ponya” which means one who eats bamboo. Red pandas are endangered and there are about 10,000 animals left, of which over 50% live in India.
Read more about Herbs & Kettles conservation efforts to save the red panda.
Purple tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis Assamica plant. Purple tea is not a tea type, but a color developed by the tea leaves, which can then be processed to make different types of tea- white, green, oolong, or black tea. The color purple is attributed to the presence of antioxidant anthocyanin pigments, which are also responsible for the blue-purple hues of various flowers, fruits, and vegetables. In fact purple tea has more anthocyanin pigment than blueberries! Our High Mountain purple tea is made from Camellia sinensis Assamica, where the leaves have developed increased levels of anthocyanin pigments due to genetic and environmental factors, after plucking they are further pan-fried to stop oxidation and so are made in green tea style. Purple tea is not a tea type and the style of the purple tea depends on the processing methods.
The health benefits of purple tea are thought to be similar to those of other types of tea, as it contains antioxidants, specifically anthocyanins. These antioxidants are believed to have potential health-promoting properties, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. However, research on the specific health benefits of purple tea is still in the early stages, and more studies are needed to establish its efficacy.
The taste of purple tea can vary, but it is generally described as having a smooth, mellow flavor with fruity and floral undertones. Like other teas, the taste can be influenced by factors such as growing conditions, processing methods, and steeping techniques.
The purple color in purple tea is attributed to the presence of anthocyanin pigments. The exact reason why this tea plant produces more anthocyanins is not fully understood, but it's believed to be a combination of genetic factors and environmental conditions such as sunlight, climate, temperature, soil and PH conditions.
While you can technically add milk (dairy or plant-based) to purple tea, it's not a common practice. The delicate flavors of purple tea are often appreciated without the addition of milk, as milk can overpower the subtle notes of the tea. However, taste preferences are subjective, so you can experiment to find the combination you enjoy the most.
There is no straightforward answer to whether purple tea is better than green tea, as it depends on individual preferences and health goals. Both teas come from the same tea plant and contain antioxidants, but the specific compounds and their concentrations may differ. Purple tea is still relatively new, and more research is needed to compare its health benefits to those of green tea.
There is no direct evidence to suggest that purple tea has specific benefits for sleep. Purple tea has caffeine so if you have a hard time falling or staying asleep, it would not be a suitable choice post early afternoon. Try our caffeine-free blends for sleep and sweet dreams.
The term "detox" is often used loosely and lacks a specific scientific definition. Some people like drinking unsweetened tea as part of detox as it is a zero-calorie drink that can be enjoyed is rich in antioxidants, and provides hydration and satiety. More research is needed to establish the specific detoxification benefits of purple tea. It's essential to maintain a well-balanced and healthy diet for overall well-being.
