Tea Cultivar · Camellia sinensis var. assamica
TRFK 31/8
- Origin
- Kenya - Kericho
- Registered
- 1986
- Primary use
- CTC black tea, orthodox black tea
Overview
TRFK 31/8 is a second-generation Kenyan clone released by the Tea Research Foundation to complement and partially replace the dominant 6/8. It was selected for improved drought tolerance, better recovery after pruning, and a slightly more complex flavor profile suited to the growing market for premium orthodox East African teas. While still firmly an assamica-type clone for CTC, it has performed well in trials for whole-leaf and even orthodox processing, helping diversify the Kenyan offering beyond commodity blending tea.
Characteristics
Bushes are vigorous and semi-spreading with medium-large, slightly lighter green leaves than 6/8 and a marginally finer pluck. Yields are competitive with 6/8 under irrigation and superior under moisture stress, an important consideration as the East African highlands face increasing climate variability. The clone has shown good tolerance of the tea mosquito bug (Helopeltis) and reasonable resistance to Armillaria root rot.
Flavor profile
Cup quality is bright and brisk with the characteristic Kenyan copper color but adds a noticeable floral lift and a smoother, less aggressive astringency than 6/8 - qualities that have made it a preferred clone for the small but growing Kenyan specialty orthodox sector.
Where it grows
Kenya - Kericho · Kenya - Nandi · Kenya - Mt. Kenya region