Whether you're a die-hard tea lover, or a casual sipper, there is a vast array of tea flavors for you to explore. From savory, to sweet, fruity to woodsy, there's a tea flavor out there for everyone to enjoy. In the vast world of popular tea varieties like green, black, oolong, and white teas, there is a hidden gem that breaks from the bunch and stands out on its own – purple tea. This captivating newcomer has emerged on the scene packed with a host of health benefits and a delicious taste and brilliant purple hue that could make your daily tea time even more exciting.
The vibrant color is thanks to the high levels of powerful antioxidants responsible for the reddish-blue pigmentation, but behind its striking appearance is a plethora of health perks that make purple tea the absolutely best tea of choice for anyone looking to improve their health and wellness lifestyle. Adding purple tea to your day gives you a goodness that you just don't find in a lot of other teas - the metabolism boost, the immune support, and the heart-friendly properties, and so much more! The extra punch of anthocyanins found in purple tea are also believed to aid in fighting inflammation, promoting cardiovascular health, and even potentially reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases.
The health benefits are just half the fun. The true magic of purple tea lies in the unique flavor profile of the tea itself. Imagine the smoothness of black tea with a hint of green tea's woodsy notes, and you'll get close to the exquisite taste of purple tea. It's like a dance of flavors on your taste buds, leaving you refreshed and craving for more. Whether you enjoy it hot or iced, its distinct taste and healthful properties are sure to captivate your senses and elevate your tea-drinking game to a whole new level.
So if you're a tea lover ready to journey on the new adventure of purple tea, read on to discover why purple tea should be your new favorite daily beverage.
What Is Purple Tea?
Purple tea is a variety of camellia sinensis plant that is grown in Kenya. Unlike traditional camellia sinensis plant varieties such as green, black, or oolong teas, the leaves of the purple tea plant are purple. The purple color of the tea leaves is due to the presence of anthocyanin, a flavonoid that is also found in blueberries, grapes, purple carrots, purple cabbage, and acai berries. Purple tea is a special type of tea that is different in color, flavor, and nutritional content from other tea varieties. It is rich in antioxidants and has low levels of caffeine, making it an excellent choice for people who love tea and want to incorporate healthy beverages into their diet, no matter the time of day.
The History of Purple Tea
Although this tea may be new in popularity, it's not a new tea variety, nor is it a hybrid blend that has been artificially created by bio-engineering. Instead, purple tea has existed in the Kenyan tea industry for decades. Purple tea was first discovered in the Assam tea gardens in India. Its cultivation began in the early 1980s when a group of scientists with The Tea Research Foundation of Kenya (TRFK) were breeding new tea varieties in search of teas with higher yields and greater resistance to pests and diseases. During their research, they came across a genetic mutation that produced tea leaves with a purple hue. They were also intrigued by the tea leaves' unique color and conducted further studies to determine whether this new variety could have any potential health benefits. The studies showed that the purple tea leaves contained high levels of anthocyanins, which are potent antioxidants known for reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. As it turned out, the purple hue not only looked beautiful but was also beneficial to human health and provided a new flavor profile. The unique flavor profile was a combination of earthy, woodsy, and floral notes that made it stand out from other tea varieties. Further research on purple tea began in the hopes that a variety of the tea plant would have suitable growing conditions in Kenya. By 2011, the purple tea seedlings were made commercially available to small-scale farmers in Kenya. Since then, Kenya has been developing its own purple tea and continues to be the largest producer of the purple tea plant. The tea is picked exclusively by hand and mostly by women tea farmers, who account for about 75% of the tea workforce.
Where Does Purple Tea Come From?
Purple tea is unlike any other type of tea in every aspect from its leaf structure and appearance to manufacturing process. It is currently grown primarily in the mist-covered hills of Kenya, more specifically, in the Nandi Hills region, located in the western part of the country. The fertile soil, high altitude, and favorable climate of this area create optimal conditions for growing this unique tea variety.
The cultivation of purple tea follows a similar process to other tea varieties. It involves selective picking of the purple leaves, followed by withering, rolling, oxidation, and drying. The tea plants are grown on farms and require specific care and maintenance. Female tea farmers in Kenya play a crucial role in the cultivation of purple tea, contributing their expertise and dedication to producing high-quality leaves. To ensure optimal growth and development, purple tea plants require well-drained soil and plenty of rainfall. The farmers meticulously tend to the tea bushes, pruning and plucking the mature purple leaves, ensuring that only the best quality leaves are selected. The periodic plucking of the leaves encourages new growth and helps maintain the health of the tea plants.
After the leaves are harvested, they undergo a carefully monitored processing method. The withering process involves allowing the leaves to lose moisture, making them more pliable for subsequent processing steps. Following withering, the leaves are rolled, which helps release the natural flavors and aromas of the tea. The next step in the processing is oxidation, where the leaves are left to react with the air, resulting in the distinctive purple color. Finally, the leaves are dried to halt the oxidation process and preserve their flavor and quality.
It's worth mentioning again that female tea farmers play a significant role in the cultivation and processing of purple tea. In Kenya, women are actively involved in tea farming and carry out vital tasks such as plucking, sorting, and processing the leaves. Their immense knowledge and skills contribute to the premium quality of purple tea, and they play a pivotal role in sustaining the tea industry and supporting their communities. Purpose Tea is proud to support this community through our Seed a Future Initiative, which empowers women tea farms and provides funding for training, education, and so much more. Every purpose of Purpose Tea helps support this mission.
What Makes Purple Tea Different From Other Teas?
When it comes to tea, purple tea is in a league of its own. Its unique properties set it apart from other popular tea varieties like black and green tea.
Low Caffeine Content: If you enjoy the flavors of tea but want to reduce your caffeine intake, purple tea is an excellent choice. Compared to black and green tea, purple tea contains relatively lower levels of caffeine. This means you can savor a cup of purple tea without worrying about experiencing the jitters or disrupting your sleep patterns.
High Levels of Antioxidants: Purple tea is renowned for its high levels of antioxidants, particularly a group of compounds called anthocyanins. These antioxidants have been linked to a range of health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, lowering blood pressure, and supporting overall wellness. With purple tea, you can enjoy your favorite beverage while nourishing your body with protective compounds.
L-Theanine: The Standout Compound. One of the primary compounds found in purple tea is L-theanine, an amino acid known for its unique calming properties. L-theanine helps to promote relaxation and reduce stress, making purple tea an excellent choice for those seeking a moment of tranquility in their day. This compound also contributes to the smooth and mellow taste of purple tea, enhancing its overall sensory experience.
EGCG for Healthy Weight Management: One of the standout properties of purple tea is its rich content of EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), a type of catechin. EGCG is well-known for its role in supporting healthy weight management by increasing metabolism and reducing fat absorption. Along with regular exercise and a balanced diet, incorporating purple tea into your routine may help in maintaining a healthy weight
Unique Flavor Combinations: Purple tea presents a flavor profile that sets it apart from other teas. Its taste is a harmonious combination of floral, earthy, and slightly woodsy notes. This distinctive flavor makes purple tea an exciting option for tea enthusiasts looking to explore new and extraordinary taste experiences.
Cultivation and Sustainability: Purple tea is primarily cultivated in Kenya, where sustainable farming practices are emphasized. Farmers focus on preserving the natural environment and employing methods that minimize ecological impact. By choosing purple tea, you not only indulge in a delightful cup but also contribute to a sustainable and eco-friendly tea industry.
What does Purple Tea taste like?
One of the best things about purple tea is its unique flavor. It has an earthy taste with hints of cedar and berries. Unlike most teas, which taste best with additives like milk or sugar, the subtle notes of purple tea can be fully appreciated on its own. Unlike traditional black or green teas, Purple Tea offers a smoother, less astringent taste. It can be described as having a delicate floral note with a subtle earthy undertone, making it an absolute refreshing delight to the taste buds.
The tea has a distinct flavor which is a blend of earthy, woodsy, floral, and fruity notes. The flavor is not overpowering, with a silky, smooth texture.
The Major Benefits of Drinking Purple Tea
Now, let's dive into the compelling reasons why Purple Tea is making waves among health-conscious tea enthusiasts:
Antioxidant Powerhouse: Purple Tea antioxidants play a crucial role in neutralizing harmful free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting overall well-being.
Boosting Heart Health: Studies suggest that Purple Tea may have a positive impact on heart health by promoting healthy cholesterol levels and supporting cardiovascular function.
Weight Management: For those on a weight management journey, Purple Tea may be a valuable companion. Some research points towards its potential to aid in metabolism and weight regulation.
Glucose Regulation: Preliminary studies have shown that Purple Tea might help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a potential option for individuals concerned about diabetes management.
Cognitive Benefits: The presence of unique compounds in Purple Tea, such as EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate), indicates possible benefits for brain health and cognitive function.
Immune Support: With its impressive array of antioxidants, Purple Tea may contribute to strengthening the immune system, helping the body ward off illnesses.
Beneficial Ways To Add Purple Tea To Your Wellness Lifestyle
Purple tea can be a great addition to a healthy lifestyle, especially for those focused on weight management because of its high content of EGCG. Incorporating purple tea into your daily wellness lifestyle can be easy and delicious. Here are a few ways to get through your day with Purpose Purple Tea:
Start Your Day with Purple Tea: Many people reach for a cup of coffee first thing in the morning to help them wake up, but swapping that coffee for a bottle of Purpose Tea is a great alternative. Its caffeine content is lower than coffee, but enough to give you an energy boost to start your day.
Upgrade Your Smoothies: Adding a splash of Purpose tea to your smoothie can be a great way to enhance its nutritional value. The tea adds flavor and an extra boost of antioxidants, which can help boost your immune system.
Use It in Your Cooking: Purple tea's unique flavor profile can make it a great addition to many dishes, both sweet and savory. Experiment with using it in recipes that call for other tea varieties, such as green tea ice cream or black tea braised chicken.
Enjoy a Warm Cup before Bed: Incorporating purple tea into your evening routine can be a great way to unwind before bed. Its lower caffeine content ensures that it won't keep you up at night, and it may even help with relaxation and sleep. Keep a bottle of Purpose by your bedside to enjoy before you tuck yourself in.
Make Your Own Ice Tea: No matter the season, there's nothing better than a refreshing glass of tea. During the summer months, making your own glass of ice cold Purpose purple tea is a great way to beat the heat while still getting the benefits of the tea. Similarly, during the winter and fall months, warm your Purpose up and add your favorite fall flavors like mint, cinnamon, or allspice, for a crisp and refreshing drink.
Purple tea's unique flavor and health benefits make it a must-try for any tea lover. The best news, it is now available in a convenient bottle for those who want to enjoy the unique flavor and health benefits it offers any time of day. Grab a pack of Purpose purple tea and make it a treasure worth seeking out. When you get your hands on this splendid tea, take a moment to admire its vibrant color, inhale the captivating aroma, and savor each sip, letting its healthful benefits wash over you.
Elevate your tea-drinking experience to a whole new level of indulgence and well-being. Find Purpose Tea on our site, or in a local grocer near you! Cheers to Purple Tea, your new favorite tea!
