Rwandan Black, OP1
Hot, humid days, cool evenings, periodic rainy seasons, rich soil, hilly terrain & elevations reaching nearly 6,000 ft. make for excellent tea growing at Rukeri Estate. These long, twisted, deeply fragrant black OP1 grade leaves are grown just above 5,200 ft. in north west Rwanda. The dry leaves emit enticing hints of dried stone fruit while the steeped leaves offer mildly spicy notes with whispers of tobacco. Sip the smooth, robust amber liquor for a rewarding malty cuppa ~ a fast favorite.
Rukeri Estate was the first certified organic tea garden/factory in Rwanda & first to introduce green technologies, like waste recycling. A pioneer on workers' rights & having campaigned against child labor, Rukeri was the first private company in Rwanda to sign a collective bargaining agreement with its workers. Our source for this tea is the primary sponsor of a program designed by Africa Healing Exchange which teaches entrepreneurial skills to women in Rwanda via culturally-appropriate business ideas that help alleviate food insecurity & poverty while protecting the natural habitat for our endangered species. This purchase helps a community of 100,000 Rwandans live a life outside of poverty.
Water Temperature
212°F / 100°C
Serving Size
1 tsp / 8 oz
Steep Time
5 minutes
Caffeine
Steeping Instructions
- Fill kettle with fresh water, then heat.
- Warm your teapot with a little hot water, discard, place your tea leaves in teapot, allowing heat of the pot to release bouquet of the tea leaves.
- Heat water to a rolling boil (approximately 212°). Steep 1 teaspoon (2.5 g/8 oz. cup) up to 5 minutes & refresh cup as desired.
*Vary time according to taste, & remember that steeping tea leaves beyond 5 mins does not contribute to flavor, only bitterness.
you may also like...
A Note on our Packaging
We are environmentally responsible, committed to Earth-friendly packaging including post-consumer recycled and biodegradable materials and water-based inks. All handling, blending, packing is done by hand on-site at SerendipiTea.
LEARN MORE