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Black tea · Volcanic highlands

Rwanda Black

Rwandan tea

7.4/10 editor's score

Black tea from Rwanda, where high altitudes, steep slopes and volcanic soils suit tea. By 2002 tea was the country's largest export.

AfricaHighlandsRwanda
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this teaCompare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dry leaf of Rwanda Black, top-down

What you need

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

At a glance

Black tea from Rwanda, where high altitudes, steep slopes and volcanic soils suit tea.

CaffeineMedium to high~40 to 60 mg, our estimate
MilkTakes milk well.
Beginner fit8.0 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestAll yearPicked through the year.
Pairs withBreakfast, Toast, Banana breadLess good with delicate fish
Grown atHigh altitudesWestern highlands, Rwanda
Served inTeapot and cupA general choice

About Rwanda Black

What sources say about the taste

Sources describe its growing conditions; taste depends on the factory 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

Western highlandsRwandaRWANDA
Land
High altitudes, steep slopes, volcanic soils 1
Export
Largest export by 2002 1
2002
US$18 million, 15,000 tonnes 1
Plantations
Being rehabilitated 1

More from Western highlands and Rwanda.

History and culture

Tea plantations and factories continue to be rehabilitated 1.

Coffee and tea are the main export cash crops 1.

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
Rwanda Black~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 equatorial highlands. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

Camellia sinensis.

How it is made
02Withering

Softened.

03Rolling

Mostly 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
  • Banana bread

Best avoided

  • Delicate fish

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

CTC and orthodox grades.

How to spot a poor or fake one

  1. Region shown is an approximate area.
  2. Look for the factory name.
FAQ
Is Rwandan tea a big export?

Yes: by 2002 it was the largest export 1.

Find it inBlack teasTeas from RwandaWestern highlandsAfricaHighlandsRwanda

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Agriculture in Rwanda". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agriculture_in_Rwanda
  2. 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.