This is one of those ‘new’ health teas that seems to have been around for a while, just waiting for the right marketing. Basically, a purple-red leaved form of Camellia sinensis ‘Assamica’, that may have originated among wild bushes in Cachar district in Barak Valley in India. There is a Kenyan variety of this called TRFK 306, which tolerates drought very well. According to our Chinese supplier this grows in the Simao area of Yunnan, whether naturally or farmed they’re not saying. The leaves are full of the flavonoid Anthocyanin, a polyphenolic antioxidant. This antioxidant has free radical fighting capabilities effective against cancer. They also can control heart disease, diabetes and obesity. Anthocyanins also are anti-allergic, anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-mutagenic and apparently can improve vision. Treat as one would a Chinese Green Tea, hot water, two minutes steeping and re-infuse.
