The first true Oolong produced in Africa, made entirely by hand.
This has what might be described as an ‘unrefined’ leaf. In fact it resembles Oolongs from China that have not been through the final cleaning stage to remove the stalks and coarse untwisted leaves. However, this is the only Oolong that I have ever seen from Africa, and it is a very new development, so we should focus more on the flavour. The leaf is from one of the original fields planted by Maclean Kay in 1926. Picked on bright sunny days, the withered leaf receives constant attention by Customu, one of Satemwa’s passionate tea makers, before he judges the aromas to be just right and takes the leaf for rolling and drying. The flavour has surprised many people, and is completely unexpected for an African tea. It shows what is possible with imagination and skill.
2 tsp per cup (200-250ml). Water at 85-90°C; infuse 1-2 minutes, repeat. Use 5g in a 200ml gaiwan. Water at 85-90°C; infuse 1-2 minutes, repeat.