Java Malabar Plantation Black Tea

Tea plantations were established in Indonesia in the early seventeenth century but did not begin to flourish until the 1800's when the tea bushes grown from tea seeds from China were replaced with tea seeds from Assam. Indonesia is made up of thousands of islands with tea cultivation on Java, Sulawesi and Sumatra. The main tea producing island is Java with tea gardens located in the western mountainous region. Their perfect environment of high altitude, rich volcanic soil and nearness to rain forest preserves produces teas with characteristics of a high grown Ceylon. This tea is cultivated at the foot of Mount Malabar, south of the city Badung on the Island of Java. The estate was first managed by the Dutch planter and philanthropist Karel Albert Rudolf Bosscha (1886-1928). He was so attached to this land that upon his death in 1928 he was buried on the property and a beautiful tomb was erected that people can still visit today. These wiry black leaves brew to an amber colored cup with a woodsy aroma. The taste is brisk and flavorful with a delicate maltiness and slight citrus notes. Brew tea at 212º - steep for 3 minutes. Try pairing this tea with sharp cheeses, mushrooms, smoked fish & meats, spicy foods, spiced desserts, fruits and chocolate.