Finally trying my Malawi Zomba Pearls!!!
I’ve found quite a few teas from What-Cha that I really, really enjoy but this is the one that originally made me take a look at the company and actually place an order. The leaf just looks so interesting and the flavour notes sound so intriguing!
Before trying this tea, I actually tried the Zomba Pearls that were limited edition from DAVIDsTEA first because I wanted to have a vague idea what the tea would taste like. In my head, I pictures the DT version being like learning to ride a bike with training wheels and this version to be more like upgrading to like a BMX or something. Visually, there’s not actually a huge difference in the appearance of the two kinds of leaf. The only major thing I noticed was that the What-Cha pearls were definitely larger. Gong Fu in my glass gaiwan, this was a treat to watch brew. Unfortunately, I was also watching a movie and the tea kept stealing my attention and I struggled to follow along with the plot. Oops.
I didn’t get as many infusions out of this as I would’ve liked before I felt like there was too much flavour loss; maybe four in total? Possibly five. I was a tiny bit distracted, as I’ve mentioned. I did really enjoy the infusions I did get though, and definitely drew comparisons between this and the DT version: both were very buttery with hay/straw and lemon notes! This had the distinction of having a more unique vegetal taste as well though: I definitely tasted cucumber peel (not the flesh/pulp but the peel specifically) and in the last infusion and only the last infusion a tomato-y note as well. I wasn’t eating or drinking anything else during this session so I didn’t confuse the flavours or anything like that. That’s just how I interpreted the taste. But it was nice! Just really unexpected. I look forward to finishing the sample.
Flavors: Butter, Cucumber, Hay, Lemon, Straw, Umami
Comments
This is one of the teas from the Satemwa Tea Estate! We’re in contact with the growers there, they make some really excellent stuff. I haven’t had the opportunity to try the pearls yet (just the zomba steamed green tea, which we carry in the shop) but it sounds delicious! Lemon notes in white tea are always my personal favorite.
This is one of the teas from the Satemwa Tea Estate! We’re in contact with the growers there, they make some really excellent stuff. I haven’t had the opportunity to try the pearls yet (just the zomba steamed green tea, which we carry in the shop) but it sounds delicious! Lemon notes in white tea are always my personal favorite.
Mmm, I bet the steamed green would be quite good. And I agree, lemon notes in white tea make me super happy! :)