Malawi Black Tea - Satemwa Estate Loose Leaf

Our Malawi black tea from Satemwa Estate is a full-bodied, malty loose leaf tea with a deep amber infusion, smooth rounded depth and natural caramel notes. Grown in the Shire Highlands of Malawi, this characterful single estate black tea is excellent served black and especially satisfying with a splash of milk.

Malawi Black Tea from Satemwa Estate

Satemwa Estate is one of the most respected names in African tea. Situated in the Shire Highlands of Malawi’s Thyolo district, the garden sits at elevations of around 1,000 to 1,200 metres, where fertile soils and highland conditions help produce teas with richness, clarity and depth.

The estate was founded in 1923 by Maclean Kay, a Scottish planter who recognised Malawi’s potential for producing high-quality tea. Malawi was the first country in Africa where tea was planted commercially, giving Satemwa a place in one of the continent’s most important tea-growing stories.

A Full-Bodied and Malty African Black Tea

This Satemwa black tea is robust, warming and deeply satisfying. In the cup, it gives a rich amber infusion with bright clarity and a rounded, full-bodied character.

The flavour is malty and smooth, with gentle caramel notes that add natural sweetness and warmth. It has enough strength for breakfast, but its rounded finish also makes it an excellent choice for afternoon tea.

A Historic Family-Run Tea Estate

Satemwa remains one of Malawi’s last family-run tea estates and is now managed by Alexander Kay, grandson of the founder. Over the years, the estate has become known not only for traditional black tea, but also for its growing focus on orthodox and speciality production.

Every leaf is still picked by hand, helping to protect quality while supporting the many families whose livelihoods are connected to the estate.

Best Served Black or with Milk

This is a tea that rewards straightforward brewing. Served black, it has clarity, malt and natural warmth. With milk, it becomes smoother, sweeter and more rounded, allowing the caramel character to come forward beautifully.

It is a dependable everyday tea, but with the provenance and character of a proper single estate black tea.

How to Brew Malawi Satemwa Black Tea

Use freshly boiled water at around 95°C to 100°C. Add 2 to 3g of tea per 250ml and steep for three to four minutes.

For drinking black, use the shorter steeping time to keep the cup bright and balanced. If adding milk, brew for the full four minutes to bring out the body and depth of the leaf.

Ingredients

Black tea from Satemwa Estate, Malawi.

About High Teas London

Established in 2008, High Teas London is an independent loose leaf tea specialist offering one of the largest collections of teas and infusions in the country. We source distinctive teas from respected gardens around the world, chosen for flavour, quality and provenance.