African Tea: A Hot Continent with a Hot DrinkAfrica is not just savannas, safaris, and coffee. It is also a vast, undervalued tea continent. Here, they produce some of the brightest, most intense, and strongest black teas in the world. And there are also unique drinks that grow nowhere else on the planet. If you thought the best tea comes only from China, India, or Ceylon, you were wrong. Africa has given the world tea that is loved in Europe, Asia, and America. But what kind of tea is drunk in Africa itself? How do they brew it? And why has Kenyan tea become a global standard?Tea in Africa: History and GeographyTea appeared in Africa relatively late compared to Asia. It was started to be grown during the colonial period — mainly by the British, who were looking for new plantations for their favorite drink. The first plantations appeared in South Africa in the mid-19th century, but the real boom began in the 20th century when tea was grown in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, and Rwanda.Today, Africa is the third-largest tea producer in the world after China and India. Kenya is the leader of the continent and the second-largest exporter of black tea in the world. Tea is grown on highland plantations, at an altitude of 1500 to 2700 meters above sea level. This creates unique conditions: bright sunlight, cool nights, and volcanic soil. As a result, tea with a bright, bitter taste, rich color, and strong aroma is obtained.Kenyan Tea: The King of African Tea CultivationKenyan tea is the standard of a strong, invigorating drink. Its main advantage is a rich amber color and pronounced bitterness. It is used in most tea blends worldwide, especially in England, where a strong breakfast is loved. Kenyan tea is often called \"flowing\" — it quickly gives color and aroma when brewed.The most famous regions of Kenya are Kericho, Nyeri, Kisii, and the western regions of Lake Victoria. Here, mainly the \"assam\" variety (Camellia sinensis var. assamica) is grown, which produces la ... Read more