This Ceylon Tea comes from the Lumbini Estate, located in the Ruhunu Tea-growing district of Sri Lanka. The term “OP1” stands for “Orange Pekoe 1”, which refers to a grade of Tea that contains leaves larger than FOP (Flowery Orange Pekoe). Workers at the Lumbini Estate harvest the Tea when the buds have opened into leaves. They seldom contain “tip”.
Ceylon Ruhunu Lumbini Estate Tea OP1 is a very well-manufactured orthodox loose leaf Tea noted for its full-bodied profile. It has a thick, robust character while also being smooth with flavours reminiscent of plum.
When consumed alongside a healthy and active lifestyle, this Black Tea can offer remarkable medicinal qualities. Researchers have long recognised that Black Teas such as this one can enhance cognitive function. They can also boost the metabolism, which enables the body to burn fat quicker and more efficiently.
Furthermore, Ceylon Ruhunu Lumbini Estate Tea OP1 can support the immune system; aid digestion; improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risks of developing type-2 diabetes.
The Lumbini Estate
In 1975, Mr Dayapala Jayawardana planted the first Tea field on his soon-to-be estate along the valley of Lumbini. His vision was to create a great tasting Tea that reflected the true character of the beautiful Ruhunu district.
Nine years later, Dayapala opened a state-of-the-art factory to produce authentic Lumbini Black Tea. Such was its success that it inspired many in surrounding areas to meet the exceptional standards set by Dayapala Jayawardana.
Much of the Estate’s production passed over to only son, Chaminda, in 2000. And by 2006, he brought Lumbini Tea to the global market. Today, The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company are proud to stock this excellent top-grade Tea.
History of Ceylon Tea
Long before the Lumbini Estate, in 1869, the island of Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka) produced only Coffee. However, that year a disease called Coffee Rust ravaged the crop, throwing the country’s economy into disarray.
Experiments conducted by a Scotsman named James Taylor proved to be a saving grace. Years before, he had planted 19 acres of Tea at his Loolecondera Estate in the Kandy region. In 1872, Taylor established a fully-equipped Tea factory. That same year, he made his first sale of Ceylon Tea.
Tea-growing spread throughout Ceylon soon after. Today, any Tea classified as a “Ceylon Tea” must adhere to strict quality stands set by the Sri Lanka Tea Board. This ensures not only quality but also consistency, two factors very important to The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company.
Useful Information
Type of Tea: Black Tea.
Origin: The Lumbini Tea Estate, Ruhunu, Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon).
Brewing Instructions: Brew using freshly boiled water. Infuse for 3 to 5 minutes.
How to Serve: We recommend serving this Tea with milk and/or sugar. Some even add honey or lemon, while others serve it black.
Tasting Notes: Tea connoisseurs describe this Tea as notably strong and hearty. It has subtle fruity undertones, which linger on the palate long after one has drained their cup.
Colour in Cup: Coppery liquor with reddish highlights, light in tone.
Benefits of Drinking this Tea
This Tea, like all Black Teas, contains an abundance of antioxidants. These antioxidants can combat free radicals in the body, which are the product of natural, though harmful, human oxidation. By neutralising these free radicals, Ceylon Ruhunu Lumbini Estate Tea OP1 can reduce the risks of developing numerous chronic conditions. This includes cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes and even, very potentially, cancer.
In fact, a 2015 meta-analysis found that drinking a cup of Tea a day (no matter the type) reduced the risks of developing cancer by 2%. Those who drank the most Tea, on the other hand, had a 21% lower cancer risk than those who drank none. It’s important to note, however, that The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company do not endorse the consumption of Tea for this purpose. We nevertheless support ongoing research.
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