These varietals have been bred at the Tea Research Foundation (Central Africa) in Mulanje (Malawi). All estates in Malawi pay a levy towards the Research & Development which takes place at this facility.

These superior varieties are so called due to both their suitability for prevailing growing conditions in Malawi i.e. drought tolerance etc as well as their cup quality characteristics. These unique characteristics are;

1. Color: distinct red and yellow cup
2. Character: flavors associated with these teas
3. Health: Pyhtochemicals associated with health: these teas are rich in Theaflavins (TF's), Thearubigens (TR's), a group of potent antioxidants and Theanine, an aminoacid which is associated with inducing relaxation (i.e. the opposite of caffeine).

****** TASKS

Graph showing Theanine levels in a range of Malawi Superior cultivars relative to teas from other origins around the world

Table showing Theanine levels of selected superior cultivars

Cultivar	Theanine % w/w dry mass
PC1	2.3
PC 108	3.1
PC 118	2.2

Data from study conducted at International Life Sciences Institute, Japan 2004

The variety PC 108, shows very high natural theanine levels in excess of 3%. In Japan, theanine is a highly valued for its health properties. Tea producers try to increase natural levels of theanine in the leaves by growing the tea und reduced levels of sunlight using shadecloth, yet still only manage to attain levels of +/-2%.

Table showing Catechin and Caffiene levels of selected superior cultivars

Cultivar	EGCG	EGC	ECG	EC	C	Gallated Flavanols	Non gallated flavanols	Total polyphenols	Caffeine
PC1	174.9	250.5	58.1	90.9	9.9	233.0	351.3	225.0	168.8
PC 108	251.7	176.7	80.4	68.9	8.6	332.1	254.2	194.5	213.2
PC 117	244.5	140.8	89.1	68.1	13.4	333.6	222.2	219.7	193.2
PC 118	221.1	191.6	88.9	93.5	6.7	310.0	291.8	253.6	196.6
PC119	227.2	212.2	74.0	76.5	9.0	301.2	297.7	238.4	145.3
PC168	241.1	87.2	131.2	66.4	10.0	372.3	163.5	234.1	206.7
PC213	200.5	162.0	64.4	63.4	9.5	265.0	234.9	131.3	193.9
SFS 204	235.4	78.1	78.4	33	9.4	313.8	120.5	208.2	155.9

PC 168 shows a very high level of gallated catehcins (EGCG & EGC). These are powerful antioxidants that are valued for their antiviral properties and are currently undergoing extensive tests in HIV/AIDS research. In addittion to the specific varital effects, growing conditions in Malawi are known to favour higher production of the gallated catechins relative to the non-gallated ones.

The non-gallated catechins (ECG, EC & C) are converted into the black tea antioxidants; Theaflavin and Thearubigen during the oxidation process. Theaflavins give a brightness and briskness to the cup, while the Thearubigens are largely responsible for the fabled red colors of our teas. These compounds are also undergoing research for their powerful antioxidant properties, although not much is known about the character of Thearubigens at this point.

Our superior cultivars have nearly double the black tea antioxidant content of regular seedling types – you can’t live without it - watch this space!!!

We are one of the few estates in Malawi and therefore the world! that process these varietals separately each according to specific specifications. As a result we are able to offer specific types of tea much like wine estates bottle particular varietals separately or as a blend.