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Usambara Black

Tanzanian tea, East Usambara tea

6.5/10 editor's score

Tea from the Usambara Mountains, where German colonists brought tea and other cash crops in the late 19th century. Local tea estates still manage part of the Amani forest.

AfricaTanzaniaMountain
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this teaCompare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dry leaf of Usambara Black, top-down

What you need

2.5 g leafUsambara Black
250 ml water100°C
Steep 3:002 steeps
LiquorRed-amber
Served inTeapot and cup

At a glance

Tea from the Usambara Mountains, where German colonists brought tea and other cash crops in the late 19th century.

CaffeineMedium to high~40 to 60 mg, our estimate
MilkTakes milk well.
Beginner fit8.0 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestMainly rainy seasonsMain growth.
Pairs withBreakfast, Toast, Milk teaLess good with delicate desserts
Grown atUsambara MountainsEast Usambara, Tanga Region
Served inTeapot and cupA general choice

About Usambara Black

What sources say about the taste

Our sources cover its history; they do not describe the taste.

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

East UsambaraTanga RegionTANZANIA
Mountains
Usambara, north-east Tanzania 1
Brought
Late 19th century, German colonists 1
Estates
Manage part of the Amani forest 2
Crops
Tea alongside coffee and quinine 1

More from East Usambara and Tanzania.

History and culture

German colonists brought lumber trees, coffee, tea and quinine to the Usambara area in the late 19th century 1.

Part of the Amani Nature Reserve forest is managed by local tea estates 2.

Editor's score

6.5/10

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: 6.0Origin & heritage: 6.5Availability: 5.0Value: 7.0Beginner-friendliness: 8.0Versatility: 7.5Flavour 6.0Heritage 6.5Availability 5.0Value 7.0Beginners 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
Usambara 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 East Africa. 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 CTC grains.
LiquorRed-amber.
After steeping
Wet leafCoppery leaf.

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

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Breakfast
  • Toast
  • Milk tea

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. Our sources are thin on this tea.
  2. Check estate and region.
FAQ
Where are the Usambara Mountains?

In north-east Tanzania 1.

Find it inBlack teasTeas from TanzaniaEast UsambaraAfricaTanzaniaMountain

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Usambara Mountains". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usambara_Mountains
  2. Wikipedia, "Amani Nature Reserve". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amani_Nature_Reserve
  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.