Ceylon Tea

What is Ceylon Tea?

Ceylon Tea is a renowned variety grown in Sri Lanka, prised for its lively flavour and bright character. The island’s diverse climate and elevations create ideal conditions for cultivating the Camellia sinensis plant.

Among the most notable is Ceylon Orange Pekoe, a black tea known for its wiry leaves, full body, and brisk finish. While black tea is most common, Sri Lanka also produces green, white, and oolong Ceylon teas, each reflecting the region’s distinctive terroir.

Ceylon Tea Origins and History

The story of Ceylon Tea begins in 1867, when British planter James Taylor established Sri Lanka’s first commercial tea estate in Kandy. Following the collapse of the island’s coffee industry, tea quickly rose as a vital alternative crop. Within a few years, Ceylon Tea had earned a global reputation, with its first shipment to London auctioned in 1873.

As demand grew, so did the island’s production. Tea estates expanded across Sri Lanka’s highlands and lowlands, with cultivation adapting to each region’s unique climate and elevation. The industry flourished through the 20th century and remained strong after independence in 1948. Nationalisation in the 1970s saw the formation of the Sri Lanka Tea Board, reinforcing quality and global branding.

Ceylon Tea today is produced in several key regions:

• Kandy, the birthplace of Ceylon Tea, offers bold, mid-grown teas grown around 1,200 metres.
• Nuwara Eliya, the highest elevation, produces light, floral teas noted for their briskness.
• Uva, teas, grown between 900 and 1,500 metres, are known for their sweet, woody character.
• Dimbula, a western highland region, yields mellow teas ideal for afternoon drinking.
• Ruhunu / Ratnapura, located in the fertile lowlands, offers strong, full-bodied teas with rich depth.

Each district contributes to the diversity of Ceylon Loose Leaf Tea, with elevation and climate imparting unique qualities to the cup. Today, Sri Lanka produces over 300 million kilograms annually, sustaining local livelihoods and upholding a tradition over 150 years in the making.

How to Make Ceylon Tea

To prepare a perfect cup of Srilankan Ceylon Loose Leaf Tea, begin by measuring one teaspoon of leaves per 200 ml of water. Boil fresh water and let it cool slightly to 95–100°C before pouring over the leaves.

Steep for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how strong you prefer your brew. Strain the tea into your cup and enjoy it plain or with milk, lemon or honey.

Brewing Tips:

• Use freshly drawn water to enhance flavour.
• Store your tea in an airtight container, away from moisture and odours.
• For iced tea, allow it to cool after steeping, then chill and serve over ice with lemon or mint.
• Lighter teas from regions like Nuwara Eliya suit the afternoon, while stronger teas from Kandy are ideal for mornings.

What Does Ceylon Tea Taste Like

Ceylon Tea offers a diverse flavour profile shaped by the region in which it is grown:

• Kandy tea: Bold and robust with malty undertones.
• Nuwara Eliya tea: Light, floral, and delicately brisk.
• Dimbula: Smooth, mellow, with a bright, golden cup.
• Uva: Full-bodied with subtle hints of fruit and chocolate.
• Ruhuna/Ratnapura tea: Strong and richly flavoured, with a distinct earthy character.

This wide range makes Ceylon Tea a favourite among tea lovers seeking both strength and nuance in their brew.

Ceylon Tea Caffeine Content

Like other black teas, Ceylon Tea contains moderate caffeine levels—typically ranging from 50 to 90 mg per 8 oz cup, depending on the steep time and regional origin.

Illustrative guide:

• 1 minute: 30–50 mg
• 3 minutes: 50–70 mg
• 5 minutes: 70–90 mg

To moderate your intake, steep the tea for less time or opt for lighter varieties.

Health Benefits of Ceylon Tea

Ceylon Tea is not only appreciated for its bold flavour and aroma but also for its potential wellness properties. Rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, it may support your health in the following ways:

• For Heart Health: May help lower blood pressure and reduce LDL cholesterol, supporting cardiovascular health.
• For Digestion: Theaflavins in Ceylon Tea are thought to ease bloating and aid healthy digestion.
• For Mental Clarity: The moderate caffeine content can support focus and alertness throughout the day.
• For Weight Management: Some compounds in black tea may enhance metabolism and assist in maintaining a healthy weight.
• For Oral Health: May help inhibit bacterial growth in the mouth, reducing plaque and supporting overall dental hygiene.

While individual results may vary, adding Ceylon Tea to your daily routine or exploring our full Tea range could be a flavourful way to support general wellbeing.

Explore Related Teas

If you enjoy the vibrant character and high grown freshness of Ceylon Tea, consider exploring these closely related collections:

• Assam Tea – Full bodied and brisk teas grown in India’s Assam Valley, perfect for breakfast blends.
• Darjeeling Tea – Elegant and floral with subtle muscatel notes from the Himalayan foothills.
• Yunnan Tea – Distinctively earthy teas from China’s most historic tea region.
• Hunan Tea – Characterful and bold, with a flavour profile steeped in Chinese tea tradition.
• Zhejiang Tea – Known for bright and refreshing green teas grown in coastal China.
• Herbal Tea – Naturally caffeine free blends suitable for any time of day.
• Loose Leaf Tea – Enjoy full aroma and flavour with our wide selection of loose teas.
• Black Tea – Explore our complete collection of traditional black teas from around the world.