Malty, smooth and unexpected, this is an exceptional black tea matcha from the Nandi Highlands of Kenya. It brews a well-balanced cup with just the right astringency.

History & Heritage

Kenya's tea industry began in 1903 with an experimental planting at Limuru, and the country has since become the world's largest exporter of black tea. Its highland gardens lie near the equator, where tea can be plucked year-round. Grinding tea into a fine powder is an idea borrowed from Japan, where matcha has been made on stone mills for centuries. In Japan, the shaded leaves called Tencha are ground on stone mills to make traditional matcha. Applying that technique to Kenyan black tea produces something entirely new.

Interesting Facts

• This special matcha is made by grinding a rich, full-leaf Kenyan black tea using a Japanese-style matcha mill.

• It is craft-ground in small quantities only.

• The Nandi Hills are one of Kenya's notable tea-growing areas.

• Kenya is the world's largest exporter of black tea, and its tea grows mainly in the highlands at about 1,500 to 2,700 meters.

Tasting Notes & Pairings

Kenya black matcha offers smooth, malty notes balanced by a pleasingly smooth astringency. When brewing, we encourage you to experiment with the amount, water temperature and whisking time until you find the strength that's perfect for you. It makes a wonderful latte with steamed milk and pairs well with banana bread, oatmeal cookies, or a chai-spiced dessert.

Brewing tips (general guideline): whisk about 1 teaspoon (1–2 g) with 6–8 oz of hot water, around 175–195°F, until smooth and frothy. Adjust to taste.

Like every tea at Beantown Tea & Spices, Matcha Kenya Highlands is a quality loose-leaf tea offered at an affordable price, with sample and larger sizes so you can find your favorite. Explore more in our Matcha collection, or pair it with our Bamboo Matcha Whisk.