1. 30-Second Summary
Kenyan CTC Black Tea is a strong, bold, and highly aromatic black tea produced using the crush–tear–curl (CTC) method. It is popular for its rich colour, brisk flavour, and excellent performance with milk, making it ideal for breakfast blends and robust everyday brewing.
2. What is Kenyan CTC Black Tea?
Kenyan CTC Black Tea is a fully oxidised black tea processed using the CTC method. Instead of being rolled into full leaves, the tea is mechanically crushed, torn, and curled into small pellets that brew quickly and produce a strong, consistent cup.
3. Where does Kenyan CTC Black Tea come from?
This tea comes from Kenya, one of the world’s major black tea producers. High-altitude tea gardens, reliable rainfall, and rich volcanic soils contribute to the tea’s naturally brisk and aromatic character. Kenyan CTC is widely used in breakfast blends around the world, including many commercial tea bags.
4. What does Kenyan CTC Black Tea taste like?
Expect a full-bodied, brisk, and lively flavour with notes of malt, tannin, and warm spice. The liquor is deep red to copper, and the tea holds up extremely well to milk and sugar. When brewed plain, it offers a bold and energising cup with a clean finish.
5. Does Kenyan CTC Black Tea contain caffeine?
Yes. Kenyan CTC Black Tea contains caffeine and is known for being energising due to its strong extraction. A shorter steep can make the tea smoother, while a longer extraction produces a very robust cup.
6. How to brew Kenyan CTC Black Tea (Western method)
- Tea amount: 2 grams (1 teaspoon) per 240 ml / 8 fl oz water.
- Water temperature: 95 to 100 C (203 to 212 F).
- Steep time: 2 to 3 minutes for plain tea; 3 to 5 minutes if adding milk.
Because CTC leaf extracts quickly, taste during the brew to avoid excessive bitterness.
7. Optional variations (iced, latte, blends)
- Masala chai base: Kenyan CTC is excellent for chai. Add spices such as cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, or cloves and simmer with milk.
- Iced Kenyan tea: Brew strong, cool, and pour over ice for a crisp and bold iced tea.
- Breakfast blends: Mix with Assam or Ceylon black teas if you enjoy creating your own house blend.
8. Storage & shelf life
Store Kenyan CTC Black Tea in a sealed, opaque container away from heat, moisture, and strong aromas. It remains flavourful for 12 to 24 months when stored correctly.
9. Similar teas you might like
If you enjoy Kenyan CTC Black Tea, you may also like Assam Black Tea, CTC Indian Breakfast Tea, Ceylon Black Tea, or other strong morning teas that pair beautifully with milk.
10. Troubleshooting & common questions
Why is my Kenyan CTC tea too bitter?
Reduce the steep time, use cooler water, or use slightly less leaf.
Why does it taste too light?
Brew longer or add more leaf. CTC teas extract quickly but also respond strongly to leaf ratio.
Can I re-steep Kenyan CTC tea?
CTC teas usually provide one very strong cup and a weaker second infusion, but the second steep is still enjoyable for many drinkers.
