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Malawi Black (Mulanje)

Malawi tea, Mulanje tea

7.4/10 editor's score

Black tea from Malawi, whose tea industry is centred on the small town of Mulanje below the Mulanje Massif. Tea was first planted commercially here in 1905.

AfricaBriskMalawi
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this teaCompare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dry leaf of Malawi Black (Mulanje), top-down

What you need

2.5 g leafMalawi Black (Mulanje)
250 ml water100°C
Steep 3:002 steeps
LiquorBright red-amber
Served inTeapot and cup

At a glance

Black tea from Malawi, whose tea industry is centred on the small town of Mulanje below the Mulanje Massif.

CaffeineMedium to high~40 to 60 mg, our estimate
MilkTakes milk well.
Beginner fit8.0 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestMainly rainy seasonMain growth.
Pairs withBreakfast, Toast, BiscuitsLess good with delicate desserts
Grown atBelow Mount MulanjeMulanje, Southern Region
Served inTeapot and cupA general choice

About Malawi Black (Mulanje)

What sources say about the taste

Sources cover its history; the taste depends on estate and style.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it grows

MulanjeSouthern RegionMALAWI
Centre
Mulanje, Malawi's tea town 1
First planted
1905, Shire Highlands 2
Districts
Mlanje (Mulanje), later Cholo (Thyolo) 2
Estates
Tea stayed an estate crop 2

More from Mulanje and Malawi.

History and culture

Tea became important after 1934; until the mid-1960s Nyasaland had the largest tea area in Africa 2.

Tea and groundnuts grew in importance over the last century 2.

Editor's score

7.4/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the tea style, not a brand. How we score →

1086Flavour & complexity: 7.0Origin & heritage: 7.0Availability: 7.5Value: 8.0Beginner-friendliness: 8.0Versatility: 7.5Flavour 7.0Heritage 7.0Availability 7.5Value 8.0Beginners 8.0Versatility 7.5
Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg
Malawi Black (Mulanje)~40 to 60 mg
Black tea (average)~47 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg

Our estimate. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo ClinicC.

Harvest calendar

Our general guide for southern Malawi. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

Camellia sinensis.

How it is made
02Withering

Softened.

03Rolling

Orthodox or CTC.

04Oxidation

Full.

05Drying

Dried.

Dry leaf and liquor
Dry leafDark leaf or small granules.
LiquorBright red-amber.
After steeping
Wet leafCoppery leaf.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Breakfast
  • Toast
  • Biscuits

Best avoided

  • Delicate desserts

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

  • Airtight, opaque tin or pouch, away from light, heat, moisture and strong smells.
  • Keep it out of the fridge unless fully sealed, to avoid condensation.
  • Most loose tea is at its best within a year. Note the harvest date on the tin.
Grades and fakes

Estate grades, orthodox and CTC.

How to spot a poor or fake one

  1. Look for the estate or district.
  2. Malawi also makes white and green teas.
FAQ
Where is Malawi tea grown?

Mainly around Mulanje and Thyolo in the south 12.

Find it inBlack teasTeas from MalawiMulanjeAfricaBriskMalawi

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Mulanje". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulanje
  2. Wikipedia, "Agriculture in Malawi". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agriculture_in_Malawi
  3. Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.