Tea is one of the most popular drinks in the world and Sri Lankan tea is no exception. It is also known as Ceylon tea. From India by way of Sri Lanka, it’s been enjoyed for centuries for its robust and flowery taste.
What is Ceylon Tea?
Ceylon tea is simply a type of black tea that originated in Sri Lanka. It is grown in the highlands of Sri Lanka and then dried completely, which means all its nutrients are preserved and it comes with a “ready to drink” label.
Sri Lanka is also known for other types of teas including green, white and oolong, but as we all know, Ceylon tea has been highly popular for decades – probably centuries! This makes it one of the oldest types of tea ever produced. That said, it remains one of the best-known teas available in the market.
What is Ceylon tea made of?
Ceylon teas are made from the leaves that grow on the evergreen shrub, Camellia sinensis. All teas, including black, white and green are made from this same shrub, but there are slight differences among the varieties. It is believed that white tea is plucked from the leaf buds of this shrub during their early stages of growth. Green and black tea leaves are harvested after a shorter period of growth. The longer it takes to grow and harvest these leaves, the more oxidized they become.
Origin of Sri Lankan Tea
Sri Lanka is a small island country in South Asia, located between the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. The tea plantations are situated in the central highlands of the country, an area known as “the hill country.” This is where all major export crops are grown including rubber, cinnamon, cardamom and tea. Within Sri Lanka there are three main growing regions: Uva (Uva Province), Nuwara Eliya (“Nuwara Eliya District”) and Badulla (“Badulla District”).
History of Ceylon tea
Ceylon tea is one of the oldest teas on the planet, with its history beginning in the second century when it was first brought to Sri Lanka. Soon after, it was spread across the world in countries such as Japan, Egypt and Turkey.
Until the 1860’s the main crop produced in Sri Lanka was Coffee but in 1869 a fungus destroyed the crop, leaving Ceylon tea as the new and exciting crop. Firstly a tea plant was brought to Sri Lanka from China and then the tea leaves were harvested and packed here in Sri Lanka. This created a great demand for Ceylon tea around the world.
The first plant to be developed by Sri Lanka was White Tea which was introduced in 1869 and soon after it quickly spread across the rest of SouthEast Asia and Europe. In 1875, Ceylon tea was recognized by The Royal Horticultural Society as being one of the finest teas in the world.
The origin of the name is uncertain but it is widely believed to come from India where Indian people once referred to it as “the golden cup” because it looked so similar to their traditional metal cups as they brewed it. Another Hindu myth suggests that the leaves resemble lotus flowers which symbolize divinity and purity.
Today, ‘Ceylon’ tea is synonymous with premium quality teas. The taste is incomparable and the aroma is wonderfully fresh and strong. With a little imagination you can almost see sailing ships transporting tea from India to Sri Lanka where it was grown in abundance, processed and sold to the rest of the world.
Tea production in Sri Lanka
Tea production in Sri Lanka is largely done by small farmers, who plant tea under contract. Ceylon tea made its first appearance in the early 1960s, when independent producer Lanka Tea Estates began experimenting with new cultivation methods.
The new plants were grown in higher altitudes and the bushes were different from those we are familiar with today. This was a time of rapid growth for the country, which had only gained its independence from Britain only 11 years prior.
Commonly found on the market: Nuwara Eliya Tea Co., Herbalism Tea Co. There are many producers of Ceylon tea, but two of the most notable manufacturers are Nuwara Eliya Tea Co. and Herbalism Tea Co.
The first producer is Nuwara Eliya Tea Co., which was founded in 1852 by James Taylor. The company’s mission is to uphold the highest standards in tea processing and to provide the best possible products to its customers. These values are still held today and help maintain a high level of quality for all their teas.
Nuwara Eliya Tea Co. also helps to plant thousands of trees each year to better the local environment. The brand offers a wide variety of tea for all occasions and is available in the UK, USA, Australia and other countries.
The second producer is Herbalism Tea Co., which is based in London and has been around since 1999.
They work closely with source suppliers and plantation owners, but also make their own blends. This allows them to compete against other producers while ensuring the best quality possible at all times. In this way they are both small batch, artisanal manufacturers as well as high-volume buyers, who are able to buy lower volumes at higher prices than larger commercial brands.
Ceylon tea types
There are many different flavors of Ceylon tea available including green, white, oolong and black. While many consumers find that the sweet flavors of green tea are more appealing, oolong and black teas are often more popular with those who prefer a more robust taste.
Green Tea
This type of tea is made from the variety Camellia sinensis, which is very similar to China’s Yancha (also known as Aniseed Tea). The flavor is distinctively grassy and astringent with a hint of sweetness. In Chinese culture this kind of tea is called Guihuazhen, which translates to “Flowers on a Tree”.
White Tea
Called Bai Mu Dan by the Chinese, white tea is made from the buds and young leaves of Camellia sinensis. This is a delicate tea that has a fresh taste with a hint of sweetness. White teas are considered to be high quality teas because only the youngest buds and leaves are harvested, which prevents any bitterness from being present in the final product. White tea is also known for its health benefits since it does not go through fermentation like other teas do.
Oolong Tea
Oolong comes in two varieties, the Tieguanyin oolong variety and Oriental Beauty oolong variety. Both are naturally occurring teas and are grown in Chinese regions including Fujian and Guangdong. The tea is partially oxidized before it is roasted, which gives the tea a flavor described as being full-bodied, leathery and sweet.
Black Tea
Called “red tea” in China, black tea is made from the variety Camellia sinensis. The leaves undergo a lengthy process of oxidation to produce all the boldness that we would expect from a good cup of black tea. Black teas such as English Breakfast Tea are commonly enjoyed around the world.
Ceylon tea preparation
Ceylon teas are best brewed using the typical preparation methods for black tea. The most popular methods include a “pour over” and an “infuser packet”.
For a pour-over
A tea pot is filled with freshly boiled water.The tea leaves are then placed in the pot, which are allowed to steep for 3 to 4 minutes. Once steeping is complete, the tea leaves should be strained into a cup from which it is poured into a mug or other container.
For an infuser
A tea infuser is filled with freshly boiled water The tea leaves are then placed in the infuser, which is allowed to steep for 3 to 4 minutes
Once steeping is complete, the tea leaves should be strained into a cup from which it is poured into a mug or other container.
You can also make your own Ceylon tea using the following: A Ceylon Tea Trivet One teaspoon of loose-leaf tea per cup of water for 1 serving. Remove and discard any hard stems. Pour boiling hot water over the bag (about 1/4 full) and allow it to steep for 3-4 minutes. Strain and serve in a teacup or bottomless mug.
For a cold brew, you can use one teaspoon of loose-leaf tea per cup of water for 2 servings. Remove and discard any hard stems. Add the crushed or whole leaf into a clean canning jar, then fill with cold water. Let the leaves soak in the refrigerator overnight or at least 8–12 hours. Strain and serve over ice. The tea will stay fresh for up to a week in the refrigerator.
Ceylon tea health benefits
Ceylon tea is naturally caffeine-free and has a long history of being served as a drink of choice in Asian countries like India, China and Sri Lanka. Some people enjoy drinking it for its flavor, while others appreciate the health benefits.
Below are some of the main health benefits to be gained from drinking Ceylon tea.
It can help to maintain good physical fitness
When you brew a fresh pot of Ceylon green or black tea, you are actually improving your body’s natural functions at the same time. The tea contains nutrients, including vitamins and minerals. So by drinking green or black tea regularly, you are in fact boosting your body’s natural functions at the same time as you add some extra benefits to your diet.
It may prevent certain types of cancers
Your body constantly interacts with the outside environment, and this is one of the main ways that it keeps itself fit and healthy. Cancer cells are able to develop when there is an imbalance between your immune system and other cells which keep a check on it all through the day. This can happen as a result of too much exposure to the sun. Drinking tea on a regular basis therefore helps to maintain good health and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
It can help to boost your immune system
Some types of cancer are more common in people who are not regularly exposed to natural sunlight, and this includes melanoma and kidney cancers. Dark-skinned people in particular face an increased risk from these two types of cancer. Green tea and black tea contain lots of antioxidants which play a vital part in keeping your immune system functioning well so that you do not develop these kinds of cancers or any other conditions related to them.
It can help to reduce blood pressure
High blood pressure is a condition that affects many people and can ultimately lead to conditions like heart attacks, strokes and even kidney failure. Green tea contains high levels of naturally occurring compounds known as ‘catechins’ which reduce the amount of sodium in your body. This reduces the amount of salt in your blood and therefore helps to lower your blood pressure. Having regular cups of green or black tea each day can help you to keep a healthy balance in your bloodstream, which reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure.
It can help to fight free radicals
Free radicals are chemicals that form when you come into contact with sunlight, smoking or harmful chemicals. When these free radicals are in your body, they damage cells by breaking them down and leaving them in an unhealthy state. Therefore, green tea has antioxidant properties that protect your body from the harmful effects of these cells. So if you drink green tea regularly on a regular basis, you get the above benefits.
It can help to maintain your strength
Green and black tea contains chlorophyll, which helps to keep you healthy and energetic by keeping the natural functions of your body in good working order. These two types of tea are also rich in minerals and vitamins that help to keep your body strong. Drinking green or black tea regularly therefore can give you the extra benefit of boosting your health and keeping you alert all through the day. You will find it easier to keep fit if you drink green or black tea throughout the day on a regular basis!
It can promote good digestion
Many people suffer from digestive problems and poor digestive health because they eat processed foods with little nutritional value, which are full of additives that may affect gut health adversely. Green tea produces anti-inflammatory compounds that are very helpful for good digestion, by reducing the amount of pain that you feel on your stomach or diverticular problems. This can help to reduce any discomfort associated with poor digestion and makes it easier to enjoy a healthy diet on a regular basis.
It can help to prevent dental decay and gum disease
One of the main health benefits of green or black tea is that it helps your teeth to stay strong and healthy for longer. The compounds in green tea contain antibacterial and antifungal properties that prevent bacteria from forming at the surface of your teeth, so you are less likely to develop cavities or bad breath as you age. The compounds in black tea also have a similar effect but can be more beneficial if you have sensitive teeth and gums.
It can help to maintain good overall health
The above health benefits are just some of the ways that green or black tea can help you to enjoy better all-round health on a regular basis, but drinking it on a regular basis can also benefit you in many other ways. If you drink green or black tea regularly, it will help to boost your concentration, improve your levels of alertness and clear up any digestive problems that may commonly affect you as well.
What does Ceylon tea taste like?
The flavor of Ceylon tea varies based on the type of tea you are drinking. Green tea, in particular, has a flavor that is often compared to hay and herbs, since it’s brewed with freshly picked leaves. Black teas have a much stronger flavor, which makes them ideal for infusing with fruit flavors or other additives such as honey or vanilla.
Your taste buds will experience a great impact when you try to do an experiment, and it is believed that the health benefits are similar too!
How to drink your Ceylon tea?
Ceylon tea is known for its delicate, flowery aroma and flavor. The taste varies based on the type of Ceylon tea, but most bottles of Ceylon tea are brewed in what is referred to as a “classic” style. This means that you brew the tea as it recommends on the label or in your recipe and then add milk or sweetener such as honey to enhance the flavor.
It is important to note that Ceylon teas have a low-caffeine level compared to other types of tea, so they are only recommended for certain groups like children, pregnant women and older adults.
Potential side effects
Since Ceylon teas have a lower caffeine content than other types of tea, they are not considered to have any side effects. You can drink as much as you like without worrying about experiencing any negative side effects. If you plan on drinking Ceylon teas that contain caffeine, it is best to take the advice of your medical professional to ensure that you drink only recommended amounts.
Where to buy ceylon tea from?
You can definitely buy from online stores wherever you are residing. Some popular ecommerce websites to check out would be Amazon, eBay or AliExpress just to name a few. You might want to ask around your local area too and see if any tea shops offer samples of Ceylon tea.
Conclusion
Ceylon tea is a versatile choice for those who are looking for a taste that is inspired by the natural world. Whether you’re looking to enjoy your first cup, or trying something new, this tea offers a host of flavors that will have you coming back for more.
If you would like to know more about our different types of Ceylon tea, or any other Tea products, please put in the comment and we will try our best to bring that content for you.
