Categories of Ceylon Tea
Ceylon (Sri Lanka) Tea is a type that originates and is grown in Sri Lanka. Ceylon was the old Colonial name for Sri Lanka. Tea from this country is considered to be among the finest. Ceylon tea was born as result of a coffee blight in Sri Lanka that led to Nuwara Eliya tea being introduced from China as a replacement crop.
Ceylon tea is produced and segmented into three categories of tea.
All that is produced in Sri Lanka has a right to carry the "Lion Logo", which denotes that it was produced in Sri Lanka and that it is pure . Any producer in Sri Lanka wanting to use this logo on their products must first go through an approval process through the governing body (Sri Lanka Tea Board), before they are allowed to use this logo and the slogan "Pure Ceylon Tea - Packed in Sri Lanka".
Nuwara Eliya tea, like many other types comes in a multiple varieties. Ceylon tea is the best known and is famous for its citrusy flavor and together with a crisp aroma, makes it unique from others grown elsewhere around the world. The Black variety is grown in abundance in Sri Lanka and at varying altitudes (adding to the different and distinct flavors available) and can be bought either blended or unblended.
Sri Lanka also produces the green variety. It is generally more pungent than others and has a distinct nutty taste to it. Ceylon green variety has its very own characteristics and is darker and richer in flavor than the green variety commonly found in China and the Middle East. Green variety is still very much an acquired taste with some people taking to it and others preferring the traditional flavors of blends from China and Japan. However as the market changes Ceylon tea is also changing and in the future we will see different tastes coming from this producer of fine teas.
Another excellent beverage from Sri Lanka is the white variety. This type is made from very young buds that are silvery white, hence the name. They are also know as Silver Tips and are highly prized around the world due to the rarity. The prices for whites are higher than for othes because it is a rare. This is also more delicate in flavor. White variety has a very unique history. This was grown specifically for the Chinese emperor and was never touched by human hands. At ready for harvest, the leaves were cut with golden scissors onto a golden plate by virgins. Present day white leaves are harvested by hand. However, unlike others, the leaves are rolled by hand and put out in the sun to dry.
Ceylon Nuwara Eliya tea, like many others contain high levels of antioxidants. This in itself, if not the taste of fine Ceylon tea, is reason enough to enjoy a cup. Not only will your mental state be soothed, but your body will benefit too.
Ceylon tea is produced and segmented into three categories of tea.
- Udawatte - High or Upcountry variety grown at high altitude in Sri Lanka
- Medawatte - Mid Country variety grown at mid level altitude in Sri Lanka
- Yatawatte - Low country variety grown at lower altitude in Sri Lanka
All that is produced in Sri Lanka has a right to carry the "Lion Logo", which denotes that it was produced in Sri Lanka and that it is pure . Any producer in Sri Lanka wanting to use this logo on their products must first go through an approval process through the governing body (Sri Lanka Tea Board), before they are allowed to use this logo and the slogan "Pure Ceylon Tea - Packed in Sri Lanka".
Nuwara Eliya tea, like many other types comes in a multiple varieties. Ceylon tea is the best known and is famous for its citrusy flavor and together with a crisp aroma, makes it unique from others grown elsewhere around the world. The Black variety is grown in abundance in Sri Lanka and at varying altitudes (adding to the different and distinct flavors available) and can be bought either blended or unblended.
Sri Lanka also produces the green variety. It is generally more pungent than others and has a distinct nutty taste to it. Ceylon green variety has its very own characteristics and is darker and richer in flavor than the green variety commonly found in China and the Middle East. Green variety is still very much an acquired taste with some people taking to it and others preferring the traditional flavors of blends from China and Japan. However as the market changes Ceylon tea is also changing and in the future we will see different tastes coming from this producer of fine teas.
Another excellent beverage from Sri Lanka is the white variety. This type is made from very young buds that are silvery white, hence the name. They are also know as Silver Tips and are highly prized around the world due to the rarity. The prices for whites are higher than for othes because it is a rare. This is also more delicate in flavor. White variety has a very unique history. This was grown specifically for the Chinese emperor and was never touched by human hands. At ready for harvest, the leaves were cut with golden scissors onto a golden plate by virgins. Present day white leaves are harvested by hand. However, unlike others, the leaves are rolled by hand and put out in the sun to dry.
Ceylon Nuwara Eliya tea, like many others contain high levels of antioxidants. This in itself, if not the taste of fine Ceylon tea, is reason enough to enjoy a cup. Not only will your mental state be soothed, but your body will benefit too.