The Tocklai Tea Research Institute revealed that purple tea actually originated in Assam. "The purple tea clone released in Kenya for commercial cultivation is an Assam variety," says Dr P Baruah, senior advisory officer at the institute in Assam.
Kenya is the third largest producer of tea after China and India, as well as the leading exporter in the world. Dr Baruah admits that while the potential of the market is not yet known, the possibility of producing purple tea in Assam has generated tremendous curiosity nationally and internationally. The anthocyanin-rich purple tea or 'ox-blood' as it is known, is also found in Assam and wild purple tea was recently discovered in the Karbi Anglong district of the North East state.
What is so special about purple tea? Apart from its delightful colour, this type of tea has great health benefits and gives green tea a real run for its money. Purple tea contains anthocyanin, which has many medicinal properties and is particularly known to be beneficial against cardiovascular diseases. Dr Baruah adds that purple tea's high antioxidant effects "provide anticancer benefits, and improve vision, cholesterol and blood sugar metabolism." Purple tea also sports much lower caffeine content than black or green tea. So, if you're relishing the hit from your daily cuppa, a lower caffeine content is much more beneficial in your beverage. Sweet and woodsy, purple tea has a stronger flavour than other traditional chais, which can appeal to the strong Indian palette. Its taste is also influenced by its ability to be brewed at different temperatures and times. Eventually, it might not be your cup of tea, but it's worth a one-time try.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/Will-purple-tea-replace-green-tea-as-new-health-drink/articleshow/46084409.cms
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