Black Ceylon Tea
The most popular and complex type, black Ceylon tea is made using both the stems and leaves of the tea plant. Authentic black Ceylon tea is produced from aged stems and fermented leaves.
Why Ceylon Tea
Why Ceylon Tea?
Ceylon tea has been celebrated as the world’s finest tea for centuries. Introduced to Sri Lanka by James Taylor in 1867, its legacy has flourished ever since. While black tea is the predominant variety, Sri Lanka also produces green and other types of tea. Despite its small size, the country’s diverse elevations result in a wide range of tea flavors, influenced by climate, soil, sunlight, rainfall, and plant varieties. Though regional differences exist, Ceylon tea is typically known for its bold, full, and brisk flavor. Most Ceylon tea is handpicked, contributing to its bright and lively character.
There are three main types of
Ceylon tea
Ceylon tea
Ceylon Green Tea
This type skips the fermentation process, keeping the tea leaves green and giving the brewed tea a yellowish-green color. The leaves are either pan-fried or steamed immediately after rolling to halt further fermentation.
Ceylon White Tea (Silver Tips)
Known for its high health benefits, this tea is made by handpicking only the buds and sun-drying them. A special clone of the Camellia Sinensis plant is used, resulting in longer and bolder buds. Silver Tips is the least processed type of tea, making it the healthiest.
Black Ceylon Tea
The most popular and complex type, black Ceylon tea is made using both the stems and leaves of the tea plant. Authentic black Ceylon tea is produced from aged stems and fermented leaves.
Ceylon Green Tea
This type skips the fermentation process, keeping the tea leaves green and giving the brewed tea a yellowish-green color. The leaves are either pan-fried or steamed immediately after rolling to halt further fermentation.
Ceylon White Tea (Silver Tips)
Known for its high health benefits, this tea is made by handpicking only the buds and sun-drying them. A special clone of the Camellia Sinensis plant is used, resulting in longer and bolder buds. Silver Tips is the least processed type of tea, making it the healthiest.
Ceylan String Hoppers
Looking for a quick and delicious meal? Our Instant String Hoppers, available in red and white, are here to save the day! Made from the finest rice flour, they’re super easy to prepare and pair wonderfully with your favorite curries and sambols. Enjoy authentic Sri Lankan flavors in just minutes, perfect for busy days when you still want something homemade and hearty.
Being a land renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich history, each tea-growing district in Sri Lanka offers a unique flavor profile, shaped by the region’s distinct climate, altitude, and soil conditions. The varying weather patterns, diverse elevations, and unique soil compositions contribute to the distinct characteristics and flavors found in Sri Lankan teas. Here’s why teas from these districts are different and special, making them highly sought after by tea enthusiasts worldwide.
1. Sabaragamuwa
Flavor Profile:
- Sabaragamuwa teas are known for their deep, dark color and rich, robust flavor.
- They offer a smooth, full-bodied taste with hints of caramel and a slightly spicy undertone.
Interesting Details:
- This region is situated at lower elevations (under 2,500 feet) and benefits from a warm, humid climate.
- The soil in Sabaragamuwa is rich and fertile, contributing to the strong and distinct flavor of its teas.
- Teas from Sabaragamuwa are versatile and can be enjoyed plain or with milk.
2. Uva District
Flavor Profile:
- Uva teas have a distinctive smooth, mellow flavor with subtle notes of wintergreen and a hint of sweetness.
- They produce a bright, amber liquor and have a balanced, aromatic quality.
Interesting Details:
- Grown at elevations of 3,000 to 5,000 feet, Uva teas benefit from the unique climatic conditions of the region, including dry winds from the northeast.
- The region’s teas are highly sought after for their aromatic properties and are often used in premium blends.
- Uva’s tea plantations have a rich history, with some estates dating back to the colonial era.
3. Dambula
Flavor Profile:
- Dambula teas are known for their bright, aromatic quality with floral notes.
- They offer a medium-bodied taste, suitable for both plain and milk tea.
Interesting Details:
- Located at elevations of 3,500 to 5,500 feet, Dimbula’s high altitude and cool climate are ideal for producing high-quality tea.
- The region experiences varying weather conditions, including misty mornings and sunny afternoons, which contribute to the tea’s unique character.
- Dimbula teas are prized for their clarity and brightness when brewed.
4. Nuwara Eliya
Flavor Profile:
- Nuwara Eliya teas are light, delicate, and fragrant, often referred to as the “champagne of teas.”
- They have a unique, fresh flavor with hints of floral and fruity notes, and a golden liquor.
Interesting Details:
- Grown at altitudes above 6,000 feet, Nuwara Eliya teas benefit from the cool climate, abundant rainfall, and misty mornings.
- The slow growth of tea bushes in this region allows the leaves to develop a finer, more nuanced flavor.
- Nuwara Eliya is surrounded by stunning landscapes, including waterfalls and lush greenery, which contribute to the pristine quality of its tea.
6. Uda Pussellawa
Flavor Profile:
- Uda Pussellawa teas are known for their medium-bodied flavor with a rosy aroma and hints of berry-like sweetness.
- They produce a bright, reddish liquor and have a smooth, balanced taste.
Interesting Details:
- This region is located at elevations between 3,000 to 6,000 feet, benefiting from a cool and misty climate.
- The unique weather conditions, including frequent rainfall and mist, contribute to the distinctive flavor profile of Uda Pussellawa teas.
- The region’s teas are often compared to those from Nuwara Eliya, but with a slightly darker and more robust character.
7. Kandy
Flavor Profile:
- Kandy teas are strong and full-bodied, with a brisk and robust character.
- They have a bright, coppery color and a smooth, malty taste.
Interesting Details:
- Grown at elevations between 2,000 to 4,000 feet, Kandy teas benefit from the rich soil and balanced climate of the region.
- Kandy is the historical heart of Sri Lanka’s tea industry, where the first tea plantations were established in the 19th century.
- The region’s central location means it experiences both monsoon seasons, adding to the unique taste of its teas.