At Planty, every infusion tells a story. With Black Citrus, we open a new chapter, one that explores new flavors while staying close to the roots of Mauritius. This Black Tea blend is guided by a simple idea: respecting what came before while opening the door to what lies ahead.
Tea in Mauritius: A story of arrival and belonging
Tea first reached Mauritius in the eighteenth century, carried by the French during their colonial rule. At the time, it was cultivated mainly for their own consumption, with small plantations established in the 1760s. The island’s fertile volcanic soils provided an ideal environment, though large-scale production had yet to begin.
It was during the nineteenth century, under British influence, that tea truly took root as an industry. Cultivation expanded across the high plateaus, where the cool climate and rich soils proved perfect for Camellia Sinensis. By the mid-twentieth century, tea had become firmly established, and in 1947 the creation of the Mauritius Tea Company marked a new chapter of growth and organization for the sector.
From these beginnings, tea became more than a crop. It became part of Mauritius’s cultural fabric. Strong Black Tea, often softened with milk and sugar, is still brewed daily in homes and shared with friends alongside gateaux piments, rotis, or sweet cakes. Whether on a veranda in the afternoon sun or at a quiet kitchen table, Black Tea has remained a companion to conversation, hospitality, and reflection.
This history is why Black Tea forms the foundation of Black Citrus. It carries not only depth and warmth, but also a quiet story of cultivation, exchange, and belonging.
Combava: The citrus that traveled the seas
The second element of Black Citrus has a journey of its own. The Combava, also known as Mauritius Papeda (Citrus hystrix), originated in the Indonesian archipelago. It crossed oceans and arrived in Mauritius in the late eighteenth century, brought by Pierre Poivre, the French naturalist and intendant of the island who introduced countless plants and helped establish the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden.
By 1824, records show that combava was already well established. Its intensely aromatic leaves and rind became treasured in Creole kitchens. They were used to flavor curries, chutneys, and punch, and in traditional medicine they were valued for their digestive and cleansing qualities.
For many Mauritians, Combava carries a memory: the fragrance rising from a grandmother’s kitchen, its tang enlivening even the simplest dishes.
A fusion of depth and spark
With Black Citrus, these stories of the Black Tea and the Combava, finally meet. The infusion balances the grounding depth of tea with the vibrant clarity of citrus. Together they form a blend that is bold yet harmonious, contemporary yet rooted in history.
It is, in many ways, a portrait of Mauritius itself: layered, vibrant, and shaped by centuries of encounters between people, plants, and cultures.
A sensory journey
Black Citrus is more than flavor. It is a carefully crafted sensory experience that awakens the body and mind.
Depth – the warm, enveloping richness of Black Tea forms the foundation of every sip. It’s smooth, earthy notes create a comforting rhythm that grounds you.
Brightness – the zest of Combava lifts the infusion, bringing sparkling citrus energy. Its aromatic freshness dances across the senses, awakening focus and curiosity while adding a gentle brightness that contrasts beautifully with the tea’s depth.
Harmony – the two elements meet in quiet balance. The grounding warmth of Black Tea and the lively spark of Combava reflect the island itself: a meeting point of traditions and discoveries.
A milestone for Planty
For Planty, Black Citrus is more than another creation. It is a small but meaningful milestone. Our earlier blends explored rhythm, memory, and care. This Black Tea blend brings in new tones of boldness, creativity, and confidence. It suggests that traditions can be reinterpreted, and that heritage can gently guide innovation.
Crafted with intention
As with all Planty creations, Black Citrus is made in harmony with the island’s rhythm. Every step, from sourcing to blending, is carried out with care, with respect for the land, the people, and the traditions that give this infusion meaning.
An invitation
We invite you to pause and brew a cup of Black Citrus. Watch as the dark amber color deepens. Inhale the citrus brightness that rises. Taste the grounding richness of Black Tea.
Black Citrus is a bridge between past and future, between depth and brightness, between tradition and discovery. A bold black tea blend from Mauritius, crafted for the moments when you want to pause, refocus, and be inspired.
Learn more about the Black Citrus.