Description
MILIMA
(Estate Black Tea)
Small Batch Blended and Packed in Canada. HACCP Certified.
Ingredients From: Kenya
Region(s): Kericho
Shipping Port(s): Mombasa
Grade(s): GFBOP (Golden Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe)
Growing Altitudes: 5500 – 6500 feet above sea level
Manufacture Type(s): Orthodox (Traditional leafy)
Cup Characteristics: Very well graded tea evident from the tippy appearance. Haunting malty notes with deep Bordeauxlike
flavor. A perfect after-dinner tea.
Infusion: Bright and coppery orange
Luxury Ingredients: Black tea
Antioxidant Level: Ultra High
Caffeine Content: Medium
Information:
The Milima mark is manufactured at Saosa Factory, which was built in 1929. This is the only factory in East Africa producing
orthodox style leaf. This special mark is produced from a delicate clone, which was developed at African Highlands Produce, -
Applied Research Department. The clone develops a distinct floral characteristic during the cooler months of June and July
when the bush growth is slow. We only buy Milima at this time to obtain the best quality. The leaf is selected from the most
suitable clonal bushes on estates Kaproret, Saramek and Chemase. Teas for Milima are grown at 6000 feet or higher. Milima
means ‘mountain’ or high place’ in the local Kenyan ‘Swahili’ language. After plucking first thing in the morning, the leaves
are gently rolled in order to maintain the floral character and obtain the twisted leaf appearance. After 3 separate rolls, the leaf
is allowed to oxidize before being dried, than then sorted into 3 primary grades. GFBOP, GFOP, GFBOP1. Each grade
contains a good percentage of golden tips giving the leaf a similar appearance to premium 2nd flush Assam Orthodox teas of
North India. The liquors of Milima are bright and orange in color, and impart a floral aroma and taste with a delicious malty
almost Bordeaux like character.
Tea is a very important product for Kenya. The industry provides employment for several hundred thousand people from the
small holders through to the steamship companies that transport the tea around the globe. Tea is a relative newcomer to the
Kenyan agricultural scene. Tea was started by British planters during the early to mid 1900’s. Many of these planters were
feeling unwanted in India (India achieved independence in 1947) and migrated to Kenya. Despite a ban on the transfer of
plants and information, these planters smuggled Indian tea plants into Kenya. The plants thrived in the Kenyan climate and
today Kenya is the world’s second largest exporter of tea.
Hot tea brewing method: Bring filtered or freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of
loose tea for each 7-9oz/200-260ml of fluid volume in the teapot. Pour the boiling water
into the teapot. Cover and let steep for 3-7 minutes according to taste (the longer the steeping time the stronger the tea). Add
milk and sugar to taste.
Iced tea brewing method (Pitcher): (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 6 slightly heaping teaspoons of loose tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼
cups/315ml over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving
pitcher straining the tea or removing the tea bags. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and
diluted with cold water. (Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality
and nothing to worry about.)
Iced tea brewing method (Individual Serving): Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea into a teapot for each serving required. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per
serving over the tea. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the
tea. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving. Sweeten and/or add
lemon to taste. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be
poured over ice and diluted. (Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury
quality and nothing to worry about!)
RECOMMENDATION: We recommend the use of our
‘1 Cup of Perfect Tea’ measuring spoon for best
results.
ANTIOXIDANT BENEFIT:
More antioxidants are extracted from tea (L. Camellia Sinesis), or rooibos (Asphalatus Linearis), the longer it is brewed….and
the more tea or rooibos that is used, the greater the antioxidant benefit.
FOOD SAFETY ADVISORY:
We strongly recommend using filtered or freshly drawn cold water brought to a rolling boil when brewing all types of tea.
Today’s water has been known to carry viruses, parasites and bacteria. Boiling the water will kill these elements and reduce
the potential incidence of water-borne illnesses.
Ideal Brewing Temperature: 100ºC/212ºF.
Minimum Brewing Temperature: 90ºC/194ºF.