Buy Ceylon Loose Leaf Black Tea From Sri Lanka
Ceylon tea is a type of black tea that originates from Sri Lanka. It has been popular for many years, originally exported as far back as the 19th century. Ceylon Black Tea is typically high in quality due to its unique growing climate and soil conditions found in the region. It has a distinctive flavour that tends to be lighter and slightly more acidic than other types of teas.
In addition to having a fantastic taste, Ceylon tea offers many health benefits. Studies have shown it can help reduce inflammation, improve digestion, lower cholesterol levels, boost heart health and even aid in weight loss. Furthermore, this type of tea contains polyphenols which are powerful antioxidants that help with cell repair, improving overall well-being and protecting
What is Ceylon Tea and Where is it Located
Sri Lanka is the former name for Ceylon, a small island nation located in South Asia near India. It is home to some of the world's finest teas, which have been exported since the 19th century. The region has a unique environment and soil conditions that make it ideal for growing tea plants and producing high-quality Ceylon orange pekoe.
Boasting a staggering range of elevation, climate and soil types, Sri Lanka is a small island with much to offer. The flavorful Ceylon teas produced there are renowned for their boldness, full body and brisk finish - nuances that cannot be found anywhere else in the world!
Loose leaf Ceylon tea is renowned for its distinctively wiry leaves, harvested from the Camellia sinensis plant. This special variety of orthodox tea must be processed by hand to achieve a unique taste and texture - producing a lively flavour that sets it apart amongst teas worldwide.
History of this Special Tea
Born in Scotland in 1835, James Taylor would become a prominent figure whose influence on the tea industry was felt far and wide. As British rule settled into Ceylon during the 1820s following its defeat of the Kandy holdout, an exciting new era dawned - one where entrepreneurship flourished as never before with plantation owners such as Taylor leading this wave of change.
It was not Tea, however, but Coffee, which went well initially - until disaster struck.
The first signs of a plant-based disease called Coffee-Rust appeared in 1869, decimating crops and, in turn, the livelihoods of countless people.
In 1867, Ceylon faced an economic crisis as Coffee-Rust threatened to devastate the nation's crop. But hope soon came in the form of Andrew MacDonald, a Scotsman who had relocated eighteen years prior and purchased Loolecondera estate near Kandy - where he'd already planted 19 acres of Tea. Anchored by this visionary endeavour, his efforts helped lead Ceylon loose leaf tea towards success despite its daunting challenge.
In 1872, James Taylor turned tragedy into triumph when he established a bustling Tea factory in Ceylon. His bold vision of creating a world-renowned export soon became reality: the following year saw his first international sale at an auction in London!
The success spurred others on to follow suit, and planters flocked from all around the island eager to learn how best to cultivate this aromatic crop they had made an impactful impression.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, renowned for his beloved Sherlock Holmes stories, poignantly highlighted the remarkable courage of a Ceylonese community in overcoming great adversity to achieve success. With fortitude and creativity, they overcame seemingly insurmountable odds - not unlike those faced by England at Waterloo! The thriving tea fields serve as an inspiring testament to their tenacious spirit.
How to Brew Ceylon Tea
Brewing Ceylon tea is a simple process that produces an aromatic and flavorful cup of tea. To get the best out of your ceylon black tea, use these steps:
1. Boil water until it reaches a rolling boil.
2. Measure out 1 teaspoon of loose leaf ceylon tea per 8 ounces of water and add to a teapot or infuser.
3. Pour hot water over the tea leaves and cover the pot with its lid to help steep the leaves properly.
4. Allow the tea to steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you prefer your flavour to be.
5. Strain into teacups and enjoy!
Ceylon Tea Taste: this is lighter and slightly more acidic than other types of black teas. It also boasts an aroma that is both sweet and spicy, with fruity undertones, making it truly unique. The brewing process brings out the complexity of the flavour profile and creates a brew that is refreshing and invigorating.
Overall, Ceylon tea is a delightful beverage to enjoy anytime you need a pick-me-up or simply want to relax while savouring its bold taste.
For the best results, use high-quality Ceylon tea leaves. The unique flavour of Ceylon black tea is guaranteed to give you an invigorating experience!
With its bold flavours, full body, brisk finish and plenty of health benefits, it’s no wonder that Ceylon tea has been popular for centuries. Whether enjoyed hot or cold, this type of tea makes a delicious drink and is sure to leave your taste buds wanting more! Enjoy the unique Sri Lankan delight - Ceylon black tea today!
Ceylon Tea Caffeine
A cup of Ceylon tea contains between 8-100mg of caffeine. It depends on the tea strain and how it is brewed. Black teas usually contain higher levels of caffeine than green or white teas, but it still pales in comparison to coffee which can have up to 200-300mg per cup.
A moderate intake of caffeine from Ceylon tea has been linked with improved cognitive performance, increased alertness and a boost in physical endurance. However, too much caffeine can lead to restlessness and jitteriness so be sure to stick to recommended serving sizes if you are sensitive to the effects of caffeine.
Tea Estates and Growing Regions
Tea Estates cover an estimated 4% of Sri Lanka’s landmass. Such is their abundance that the country has become known as the “Island of Tea.” Growing areas find themselves primarily on flat plains, particularly in the south. In other regions, mountains rise to heights of up to 2,400 metres above sea level. It is here, connoisseurs say, that the most-prized Tea comes from.
Overall, around one million people - nearly 5% of the population - work in the industry. They harvest and process the leaves between June and August in the east and from early February to mid-March in the west. Ceylon Tea characteristics differ significantly depending on its origins. The primary districts are Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Uva, Dimbula and Ruhunu / Ratnapura.
- Kandy: This is the original home of Ceylon Loose Tea. It lies on the northern side of the Central Highlands at altitudes some 1,200 metres above sea level. Tea from Kandy is what people would classify as “mid-grown,” with most estates located on the western slopes of the nearby hills. These infusions tend to be strong and full-bodied.
- Nuwara Eliya: Located at elevations of around 1,800 metres, Nuwara Eliya is the highest part of Sri Lanka - which shows in the Tea it produces. An infusion from here often has a delicate, floral fragrance and a light, brisk flavour. Many connoisseurs consider it the best of the best, with popular choices including Ceylon Lovers Leap Tea and Ceylon Tea BOP Nuwara Eliya Alton.
- Uva: Although some call Uva a “district,” it is, in fact, a Province. Nevertheless, it remains sparsely populated and, as a result, relies heavily on Tea production to sustain the economy. The area itself lies to the east of the country’s high plateaus. Most estates are at elevations between 900 and 1,500 metres above sea level. The Tea, meanwhile, is sweet and woody.
- Dimbula: This particular region finds itself between two high plateaus in Central Province. Its name comes from the valley that lies in its heart. When it comes to the general taste of Ceylon Loose Tea from here, which is “high-grown,” you can expect refreshingly mellow notes. Such is the case with our ever-popular Ceylon Tea BOP Dimbula Gouravilla.
- Ruhuna / Ratnapura: Boasting low hills and plains, good soils and a favourable microclimate, this district is much underrated. Although Ceylon Tea from Ruhana / Ratnapura doesn’t have the same fame as those from Kandy, say, they have a great deal to offer. Production first started here in the 20th century. Since then, its Tea has become known for its punchy flavour.
Assam Tea vs Ceylon Tea
Although both Ceylon Tea and Assam Tea come from the Camellia Sinensis bush, they still differ markedly.
Ceylon Teas generally have a sweeter note to them with fruity, floral overtones. Meanwhile, Assam Teas tend to be maltier. This could be because of how their respective climates influence each plant’s flavour profile.
Whereas Sri Lanka has plenty of rainfall throughout the year, India experiences monsoons between June and September and dry spells for the rest of the year. As such, many suggest that Assam Tea develops its complexity due to harsher growing conditions rather than any specific terroir characteristics.
Moreover, it is worth noting that Ceylon Loose Tea is more varied than Assam Tea. That’s because the former comes from multiple regions of Sri Lanka and can have different characteristics depending on where it grows.
On the other hand, Assam Tea predominantly comes from northern India and so all infusions share certain flavour notes to some degree.
And while Ceylon Black Tea may be considered a “classic” cup, there are plenty of herbal tea varieties from Sri Lanka too.
Benefits of Ceylon Tea
Ceylon Tea is not just rich in flavour, it also has a variety of health benefits.
The leaves, for instance, contain antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols. These compounds are believed to fight off free radicals linked to various health risks such as cancer.
Furthermore, Ceylon Tea can also help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering bad cholesterol levels and improving good cholesterol levels. One study even found that drinking four or more cups per day could lower mortality rates in those with coronary artery diseases.
It is also possible that some varieties may aid digestion while others might help support weight loss - making Ceylon Loose Tea a great choice for those looking to improve their overall health and well-being.
Finally, research suggests that it may benefit mental health too - especially when consumed regularly over long periods of time.
In short, there is an abundance of Ceylon Tea benefits to enjoy - from its great taste to the potential health advantages it can bring. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder this type of Loose Tea has become so popular in recent years.
