When it comes to preparing a tasty cup of tea, the brand of tea leaves you use makes a big difference in flavor, aroma, and taste. Based on our findings and feedback from tea lovers, here are some of the top recommended tea-leaf brands in Kenya:
Kericho Gold Tea
This is one of the best tea brands in Kenya. It is made from a special blend of fine teas from various tea plantations in Kenya. Anyone who knows the taste of tea will go for Kericho Gold anytime. The flavor, aroma, and taste of its tea are out of this world. The small packet of Kericho Gold, 100gm, costs Ksh 100 and is available in most supermarkets. It is packed in a foil pouch to keep it extra fresh.
KTDA Tea
There are different varieties of KTDA tea depending on where the factory is based. Almost all teas with KTDA branding are known to be good. There are over 70 tea factories in Kenya managed by KTDA. The best place to buy KTDA tea is from shops in the towns where that particular KTDA factory is located.
Eden Tea
It produces a strong aroma that is rich in color and flavor. The amount of tea to use varies on preferences, but one teaspoonful for four cups of tea is enough. It is available for purchase in most supermarkets. The 100 gm packet of Eden tea costs Ksh. 47.
Fahari ya Kenya by KETEPA Tea
KETEPA is one of the most popular and successful tea brands in Kenya. KETEPA has existed for years and has over time lost its top position to emerging competitors like Kericho Gold and Eden. Fahari ya Kenya tea is made from tea grown in the East and West of the Great Rift Valley of Kenya. Some of its ingredients include BP1, PF1, and fannings. The 100 gm of Fahari ya Kenya tea costs Ksh 60.
Melvins Tea
It is made from loose-leaf tea and mixed with ginger (tangawizi). Other Melvin Black Tea flavors available for purchase include Masala, Cinnamon, Vanilla, and Lemon Twist. Melvin also contains Herbal and Fruit Infusions types like Chamomile, Hibiscus, Lemon, and Ginger. Melvin Tangawizi 50 gm costs Ksh. 35.
Safari Tea Pure Tea
Safari is KETEPA's export brand. It is known to be of high quality because it is meant for export and must meet international standards compared to the one meant for the Kenyan market. It is quite expensive compared to other KETEPA tea brands.
Faraja Tea
Although not popular in Kenya, Faraja is worth adding to the list because of its aromatic and robust flavor and color. It has zero fat content. A 100 gm packet of Faraja tea costs Kenya shillings 50.
Baraka Chai
This is particularly popular in Mombasa. It is available in 5g, 15g, 25g, 50g, 100g, 250g, and 500g packets. The 100 gm costs Ksh 50. You will easily find it in most large supermarkets in Kenya.
Other tea brands that you might want to consider include.
- Gathuthi
- Kaisugu
- Kuresoi Tea
- Nyayo Tea Zones
- Williamson Tea (mostly for export)
Tips for Buying Tea Leaves in Kenya
Whichever tea brand you choose to buy or that is available closer to your local store, below are key factors to consider when buying tea:
- Packaging Size: The bigger the package, the better the quality of tea leaves. Smaller packages tend to contain the dust and smaller particles left over after grading and sifting.
- Factory or Tea Growers: Tea purchased directly from local factories or tea growers is considered superior to that sold by tea packers. The tea packer companies, whose brands you will find most of in supermarkets, are good at marketing their products, but their quality is not guaranteed as they buy from different brokers. Going directly to the factory ensures you get the highest quality leaves.
- Grading: Tea is graded based on the size of the leaf particles. The largest particles (BP1 and PF1) are the highest quality, followed by smaller dust grades (PD, D1, D). Therefore, be sure to consider grades when buying.
- Tea Leaves vs Tea Bags: It is recommended to use whole tea leaves rather than tea bags, as most of them contain dust.
Preparing Tea
There are different ways of brewing or preparing a perfect cup of tea in Kenya. The best way, as recommended by tea experts, is to boil water first, then add the tea leaves and allow them to brew for not less than five minutes before adding milk and sugar to taste
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What are full names or meanings of PF1, BP1 ,PD, D1, D. My guess PF1 PURE FINE 1 BP1 BY PRODUCT 1 PD ???Dust D1 Dust1 D Dust Please correct me if I'm wrong
Tea is graded based on the size of the leaf particles. The largest particles (BP1 and PF1) are the highest quality, followed by smaller dust grades (PD, D1, D). Therefore, be sure to consider grades when buying.