What makes Ceylon tea special?

Flavours of Ceylon

Sri Lanka, known as the "Teardrop of India," is renowned for its tea production. The country is one of the world's largest tea exporters, and its tea brands are highly sought after by tea connoisseurs worldwide. Sri Lanka's unique geography and favourable climate provide ideal conditions for tea cultivation, resulting in a diverse range of tea brands that offer a rich and distinctive taste.

The high-altitude regions with cool temperatures and abundant rainfall provide ideal conditions for growing tea. Additionally, the unique processing methods used in Sri Lanka, such as the orthodox tea production method, contribute to the distinct flavours and high quality of Sri Lankan tea brands.

Sri Lanka is renowned for its diverse range of tea brands that offer unique and distinctive flavours. From the world-famous Ceylon tea to specialty teas, Sri Lanka's tea industry caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer black, green, white, or specialty teas, Sri Lanka has a tea brand for everyone. So, brew a cup of Sri Lankan tea and savor the rich flavours and aromas that this beautiful island nation has to offer.

Different types of Ceylon tea

Ceylon Tea:

Ceylon tea is the most well-known and widely recognized tea brand from Sri Lanka. The term "Ceylon" is synonymous with Sri Lanka and is often used to refer to the country's tea. Ceylon tea is known for its unique taste, which can vary depending on the altitude, climate, and processing methods used. It is typically characterized by its bright, golden colour, brisk flavour, and refreshing aroma. Ceylon tea is available in different grades, including black, green, and white tea, each with its own distinct characteristics.

Nuwara Eliya Tea:

Nuwara Eliya, located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, is known for producing some of the finest teas in the world. Nuwara Eliya tea is grown at high elevations, which results in a slow growth process, leading to a delicate and nuanced flavour profile. This tea is often described as having a floral aroma, a mild taste, and a light, golden colour.

Uva Tea:

Uva tea is another popular tea brand from Sri Lanka that comes from the Uva region in the eastern part of the country. Uva tea is known for its distinctive taste, which is often described as having a bold and strong flavour with a hint of sweetness. This tea is typically dark in colour and is prized for its robustness and full-bodied nature.

Dimbula Tea:

Dimbula, located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, is renowned for producing high-quality tea with a unique flavour profile. Dimbula tea is known for its bright, coppery colour, medium body, and balanced flavour. It has a crisp and refreshing taste with hints of citrus and floral notes, making it a popular choice among tea enthusiasts.

Ruhuna Tea:

Ruhuna, also known as the Southern region of Sri Lanka, is known for producing tea with a bold and strong flavour profile. Ruhuna tea is characterized by its dark colour, rich aroma, and robust taste. It is often used in blends and is favoured for its strong and invigorating taste.

Green Tea:

While Sri Lanka is famous for its black tea, the country also produces high-quality green tea. Green tea is known for its unique flavour profile, which is characterized by a fresh, grassy taste and a subtle sweetness. Green tea is typically unoxidized, which helps retain its green colour and distinctive flavour.

Specialty Teas:

In addition to the traditional tea brands, Sri Lanka also produces specialty teas that cater to specific tastes and preferences. For example, Silver Tips tea is made from the delicate buds of the tea plant and is prized for its rarity and exquisite taste. Oolong tea, which falls between black and green tea in terms of oxidation, is also produced in Sri Lanka and offers a unique flavour profile.

Ceylon Tea Brands

Let's take a closer look at some of the popular tea brands in Sri Lanka:

Dilmah Tea:

Dilmah is a globally recognized Sri Lankan tea brand that is known for its premium quality and ethical practices. Founded by Merrill J. Fernando in 1988, Dilmah has been committed to offering unblended, single-origin, and freshly packed tea that captures the authentic taste of Ceylon tea. Dilmah offers a wide range of teas, including black, green, white, and specialty teas, and is known for its rich flavours, unique blends, and commitment to sustainability.

Lipton Tea:

Lipton is a well-known international tea brand that sources a significant portion of its tea from Sri Lanka. Lipton has been operating in Sri Lanka for over a century and is known for its range of black, green, and specialty teas. Lipton's teas are known for their consistent quality, accessible price point, and availability in various flavours and blends.

Mlesna Tea:

Mlesna is a Sri Lankan tea brand that is known for its premium quality teas and unique packaging. Mlesna offers a wide range of black, green, and specialty teas, including flavoured teas and teas with added herbs and spices. Mlesna teas are often packed in decorative metal caddies, making them popular as gifts or souvenirs.

Akbar Tea:

Akbar is a Sri Lankan tea brand that has been producing high-quality teas since 1864. Akbar offers a wide range of teas, including black, green, and specialty teas, and is known for its exquisite blends and unique flavours. Akbar teas are known for their strong, robust flavours and are often sought after by tea connoisseurs.

Basilur Tea:

Basilur is a Sri Lankan tea brand that is known for its premium quality teas and distinctive packaging. Basilur offers a wide range of teas, including black, green, and specialty teas, and is known for its unique blends that incorporate natural ingredients such as fruits, flowers, and spices. Basilur teas are often packed in decorative tins or gift boxes, making them popular as gifts or souvenirs.

Ahmad Tea:

While not originally from Sri Lanka, Ahmad Tea is a well-known international tea brand that sources a significant portion of its tea from Sri Lanka. Ahmad Tea offers a wide range of black, green, and specialty teas and is known for its high-quality teas, unique blends, and elegant packaging.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sri Lanka is home to a diverse range of tea brands that offer a wide variety of flavours, blends, and packaging options. Whether you're a tea connoisseur or just a casual tea drinker, Sri Lankan tea brands have something to offer for everyone. With a long-standing tradition of tea production, a commitment to sustainability, and a reputation for premium quality teas, Sri Lanka has earned its place as one of the top tea-producing countries in the world.

Moreover, Sri Lanka's tea production is characterised by a meticulous process that upholds the highest standards of quality and sustainability. The careful plucking of the tea leaves, often done by skilled hands, ensures that only the tender, topmost leaves and buds are harvested, guaranteeing the tea's exceptional freshness and flavor. The leaves are swiftly transported to nearby processing centers where they undergo expertly executed withering, rolling, oxidation, and firing processes, all meticulously supervised to preserve the tea's natural essence.

If you would like to try some high-grade tea be sure to check out our extensive range of products at Ceylon Boutique
https://www.ceylonboutique.com/collections/ceylon-tea