Review: Williamson Tea Purple Matcha

I'm sure you know all about the health benefits of green tea and I bet you've even heard of matcha, a super power green tea. But have you heard of purple matcha? I hadn't until Williamson Tea got in touch to see if I'd like to try their purple matcha tea. Grown on their 'solar farm' in Changoi, East Africa, the purple tea is packed with antioxidants which provide natural, relaxed alertness.

Williamson Tea have been tea farmers since 1869 and pride themselves on their bush to cup transparency. The fifth generation tea farming business is committed to growing high quality teas that are sustainable and benefit Kenya's communities, wildlife and environment. By growing their teas on their own farms they are able to control the quality of their tea right from the bushes through to the cup in your hand. Williamson Tea can offer complete traceability and because their teas come from one source it means that their carbon footprint isn't increased by transporting different teas from around the world to make their blends.

The health benefits of drinking tea is something we've known about for hundreds of years. Tea contains very high levels of antioxidants called polyphenols which can be useful for boosting circulation, improving the skin, aiding digestion and helping to stimulate the mind. The unique growing conditions found on Williamson Tea's Kenyan farms results in some of the highest levels of polyphenols found in teas across the world and it is their purple teas in particular that are being researched for their health benefits.

Williamson Tea Purple Matcha comes in one of their distinctive mini elephant caddies. The tea is made from purple leaves which have been stoneground to produce a matcha powder. The tea can be drunk traditionally, by whisking into freshly boiled water then allowing to cool, or by adding to fruit juice or smoothies or even sprinkling over food. You can also buy match whisks and even a full matcha tea kit which makes for a great gift.

The tea has a strong, nutty, earthy flavour which gives my tastebuds a real kick first thing in the morning. I'm someone who drinks their tea with milk and sugar usually, so the taste is quite strong for me. I've discovered matcha latte made with soya milk, maple syrup and nutmeg which is really delicious way of enjoying it. and I have seen baking recipes which use it so I am keen to try that, too. Ian on the other hand enjoys his tea black and without sugar, and is a fan of plain green tea, so drinking purple matcha the traditional way is perfect for him.

Available from williamsontea.com and Harvey Nichols, Purple Matcha is £25 for 30g.

Have you tried purple matcha? What's your favourite way to enjoy matcha tea?

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*I was kindly sent some Williamson Tea Purple Matcha to review.