Zawadi African Tea

The second of the Zawadi chai teas, as strong as the first with a more pronounced clove note here, though cloves are not listed in the ingredients so it must be the allspice. It’s a little disappointing that the description on the box is exactly the same, but this doesn’t change the power and taste of the brew. So far Zawadi is 2 for 2, in my estimation. I gave this one a slightly higher rating for its allspicyness.

As a Bay Area resident, I am happy to present and review this local company, finally making tea fairly traded to connoisseurs after hundreds of years of British economic colonialism. Zawadi Karibu Spiced Chai is a mild tea that gets the job done. The flavor is earthy and spicy without being overwhelming. I have been drinking it with sugar and soy milk, and it has been a joy to keep refilling the cup. Additionally, as the box mentions, I don’t seem to get the jitters that black tea and caffeine can sometimes give me. This unique tea is complemented by its easy pre-packaging, which is both convenient for the user and accessible for anyone to try. It is perfect for the season, and I’ve been keeping my snowman mug full.

Don’t miss the website for this company where sippers can read about the impact of colonialism on access in the tea trade of England, India, and the rest of Europe and the Middle and Near East, fair-trade in Kenya, and the Kenya AIDS Intervention/Prevention project.