BVUMBWE HAND-MADE TREASURE
MALAWI BLACK TEA
RED (BLACK) TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Satemwa, Thyolo, Malawi, Africa
Bvumbwe Hand-made Treasure is a premium Malawian red tea from the Bvumbwe area at Satemwa Tea Estate, known for its artisanal production and refined character. It is produced from carefully selected leaves, hand-processed with controlled oxidation to highlight clarity and balance. The infusion is smooth and expressive, offering gentle sweetness, light fruit notes, and a clean, well-structured finish. MORE
AROMA
Fruity
TASTE
Honey, woody
CULTIVAR: Camellia Sinensis var. Assamica
HARVEST: Spring, 2023
RED (BLACK) TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Satemwa, Thyolo, Malawi, Africa
Bvumbwe Hand-made Treasure is a premium Malawian red tea from the Bvumbwe area at Satemwa Tea Estate, known for its artisanal production and refined character. It is produced from carefully selected leaves, hand-processed with controlled oxidation to highlight clarity and balance. The infusion is smooth and expressive, offering gentle sweetness, light fruit notes, and a clean, well-structured finish. MORE
AROMA
Fruity
TASTE
Honey, woody
CULTIVAR: Camellia Sinensis var. Assamica
HARVEST: Spring, 2023
RED (BLACK) TEA is one of the most widely consumed and appreciated tea categories in the world. Due to its high level of oxidation and carefully controlled production process, this type of tea develops a rich concentration of aromatic compounds while preserving valuable polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants that contribute to both its distinctive flavor and beneficial properties.
During oxidation, the chemical composition of the tea leaf changes significantly, creating the characteristic amber to deep red infusion, smooth texture, and complex aromatic profile associated with red (black) tea. It is believed that regular consumption of red tea may support cardiovascular health, improve blood circulation, contribute to the body's natural antioxidant protection, and promote mental alertness and concentration. Traditionally, red tea has also been appreciated for its warming qualities, its ability to support digestion, reduce fatigue, improve overall vitality, and provide a comforting sense of balance and well-being, especially during colder seasons.
During oxidation, the chemical composition of the tea leaf changes significantly, creating the characteristic amber to deep red infusion, smooth texture, and complex aromatic profile associated with red (black) tea. It is believed that regular consumption of red tea may support cardiovascular health, improve blood circulation, contribute to the body's natural antioxidant protection, and promote mental alertness and concentration. Traditionally, red tea has also been appreciated for its warming qualities, its ability to support digestion, reduce fatigue, improve overall vitality, and provide a comforting sense of balance and well-being, especially during colder seasons.
Learn more about the BIOCHEMISTRY OF A TEA LEAF
SEED-GROWN TEA PLANT
This tea refers to a Qunzi Zhong, a "seed-grown tea plant". Unlike cloned or asexually propagated cultivars, which are created by cuttings or grafting from a single "mother" plant, Qunzi Zhong tea trees are grown from seeds. This results in a genetically diverse population of plants. Each seed-grown tea tree is unique, with slightly different characteristics. This genetic variety helps improve the resilience of the tea garden, making it more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stress. Seed-grown trees usually develop stronger and deeper roots than cloned plants, allowing them to draw nutrients and minerals from deeper soil layers, often giving the tea a more complex and rich flavor profile. Qunzi Zhong represents the traditional way of tea cultivation. Because of the genetic diversity, teas made from Qunzi Zhong plants tend to offer more layered and nuanced flavors, reflecting a richer expression of the local terroir (soil, climate, and environment).
PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Pesticide-free gardening refers to a cultivation method in which no synthetic chemical pesticides are used at any stage of plant growth. Instead, this approach relies on biodiversity, ecological balance, and cultural practices to manage pests and diseases. Unlike conventional farming, which often depends on chemical intervention to control infestations, pesticide-free gardening emphasizes prevention through healthy soil, companion planting, and natural predators. This method fosters a more resilient and adaptive garden ecosystem. Without chemical inputs, beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and native bees thrive, contributing to pollination and pest control. Untouched by harsh agents, the soil remains alive with microbial activity, supporting deeper root systems and more vigorous plant development. Over time, this results in produce with purer, more expressive flavors, reflecting the health of the environment and the grower's intention.
Learn more about Pesticide-Free Gardening
EASTERN (PIN CHA) ★
Temperature: 99 °C
Amount: 3-5 grams per 120 ml of water
Steeping: 10-30 sec x 7+
WESTERN (INFUSION)
Temperature: 99 °C
Amount: 2-3 grams per 250 ml of water
Steeping: 1-2 min x 3
Learn more about TEA BREWING METHODS
Tea absorbs surrounding aromas and moisture. This type of tea oxidizes when it comes into contact with oxygen and loses its properties, including taste and aroma. Store it in a dry and cool place in airtight packaging. Avoid direct exposure to the sun and high temperatures.
BEST BEFORE: 2 years since production date!
*Suitable for long-term aging. Under proper storage conditions, the tea may gradually develop increased depth, smoothness, and complexity.
BEST BEFORE: 2 years since production date!
*Suitable for long-term aging. Under proper storage conditions, the tea may gradually develop increased depth, smoothness, and complexity.
Learn more ABOUT TEA STORAGE
ABOUT
Bvumbwe Hand-made Treasure is a premium Malawian red tea produced at the Satemwa Tea Estate, one of the most respected tea producers in Malawi. The tea comes from plantations with tea bushes over 50 years old, which provide stable and mature raw material with a well-developed root system. This contributes to greater depth and consistency in the final infusion compared to younger plantings.
The estate follows organic farming principles, maintaining soil health and ecological balance without the use of synthetic chemicals. This approach supports clean leaf development and allows the natural characteristics of the plant to be expressed more clearly. The leaves are carefully harvested and processed by hand using traditional red tea methods, including withering, rolling, oxidation, and drying, with attention to precision at each stage.
Bvumbwe Hand-made Treasure reflects a combination of established plantation heritage and careful artisanal production. It is valued for its clarity, balance, and natural expression, offering a refined interpretation of African red tea appreciated by both newcomers and experienced tea lovers.
TERROIR
Bvumbwe Hand-made Treasure is sourced from the Bvumbwe area of Satemwa Tea Estate in Malawi, located in the Shire Highlands. Tea gardens in this region are typically situated at elevations ranging from approximately 900 to 1200 meters, where a subtropical highland climate with moderate temperatures, abundant rainfall, and consistent humidity supports steady and balanced leaf development.
The soils in the Bvumbwe area are well-drained and rich in organic matter, providing a stable foundation for mature tea plants. The presence of plantations over 50 years old contributes to deeper root systems and a more stable nutrient uptake, resulting in leaves with balanced structural and aromatic composition. Organic farming practices further support soil health and biodiversity, enhancing the overall quality of the raw material.
The combination of altitude, climate, mature plant material, and organic cultivation defines a terroir that emphasizes clarity, balance, and natural expression. These conditions allow the leaves to develop with a clean and stable profile, supporting a refined and well-structured infusion that reflects both the environment and careful cultivation practices.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf appearance is slightly twisted and varied, with medium-sized leaves in dark brown tones and occasional lighter tips. The aroma of the dry leaves is clean and refined, showing notes of dried fruit, light cocoa, and a subtle floral nuance. In a preheated teapot, the tea gradually opens, and the aroma becomes warmer and more expressive, revealing soft caramel, ripe fruit, and a gentle honeyed sweetness. After a brief rinse, the leaves fully awaken, and the aroma gains clarity and balance, combining mild cocoa tones with delicate fruit and a smooth, rounded warmth.
The aroma of the liquor in the empty cup is soft and stable, with gentle sweetness and a faint fruity trace. The taste is smooth and well-structured, with a medium body and a clean, balanced texture. From the first sips, a natural sweetness emerges, supported by light fruit notes and a subtle cocoa nuance, with very low astringency. The profile remains consistent and harmonious across multiple infusions, offering both clarity and a refined character. The aftertaste is clean and moderately persistent, leaving a soft sweetness and a slightly warming sensation. In the empty cup after drinking, delicate notes of honey, light caramel, and a subtle fruity sweetness remain.
Bvumbwe Hand-made Treasure is a premium Malawian red tea produced at the Satemwa Tea Estate, one of the most respected tea producers in Malawi. The tea comes from plantations with tea bushes over 50 years old, which provide stable and mature raw material with a well-developed root system. This contributes to greater depth and consistency in the final infusion compared to younger plantings.
The estate follows organic farming principles, maintaining soil health and ecological balance without the use of synthetic chemicals. This approach supports clean leaf development and allows the natural characteristics of the plant to be expressed more clearly. The leaves are carefully harvested and processed by hand using traditional red tea methods, including withering, rolling, oxidation, and drying, with attention to precision at each stage.
Bvumbwe Hand-made Treasure reflects a combination of established plantation heritage and careful artisanal production. It is valued for its clarity, balance, and natural expression, offering a refined interpretation of African red tea appreciated by both newcomers and experienced tea lovers.
TERROIR
Bvumbwe Hand-made Treasure is sourced from the Bvumbwe area of Satemwa Tea Estate in Malawi, located in the Shire Highlands. Tea gardens in this region are typically situated at elevations ranging from approximately 900 to 1200 meters, where a subtropical highland climate with moderate temperatures, abundant rainfall, and consistent humidity supports steady and balanced leaf development.
The soils in the Bvumbwe area are well-drained and rich in organic matter, providing a stable foundation for mature tea plants. The presence of plantations over 50 years old contributes to deeper root systems and a more stable nutrient uptake, resulting in leaves with balanced structural and aromatic composition. Organic farming practices further support soil health and biodiversity, enhancing the overall quality of the raw material.
The combination of altitude, climate, mature plant material, and organic cultivation defines a terroir that emphasizes clarity, balance, and natural expression. These conditions allow the leaves to develop with a clean and stable profile, supporting a refined and well-structured infusion that reflects both the environment and careful cultivation practices.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf appearance is slightly twisted and varied, with medium-sized leaves in dark brown tones and occasional lighter tips. The aroma of the dry leaves is clean and refined, showing notes of dried fruit, light cocoa, and a subtle floral nuance. In a preheated teapot, the tea gradually opens, and the aroma becomes warmer and more expressive, revealing soft caramel, ripe fruit, and a gentle honeyed sweetness. After a brief rinse, the leaves fully awaken, and the aroma gains clarity and balance, combining mild cocoa tones with delicate fruit and a smooth, rounded warmth.
The aroma of the liquor in the empty cup is soft and stable, with gentle sweetness and a faint fruity trace. The taste is smooth and well-structured, with a medium body and a clean, balanced texture. From the first sips, a natural sweetness emerges, supported by light fruit notes and a subtle cocoa nuance, with very low astringency. The profile remains consistent and harmonious across multiple infusions, offering both clarity and a refined character. The aftertaste is clean and moderately persistent, leaving a soft sweetness and a slightly warming sensation. In the empty cup after drinking, delicate notes of honey, light caramel, and a subtle fruity sweetness remain.
RED (BLACK) TEA
Explore more Red (Black) Teas from the AN SHIM TEA Collection.