Ceylon Tea (Sri Lanka Tea)

Ceylon tea is a type of tea 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 the country that led to tea being introduced from China as a replacement crop. The rest is history.

Ceylon tea is produced and segmented into three categories of tea. They are;

• » Udawatte - High or Upcountry Ceylon tea grown at high altitude
• » Medawatte - Mid Country Ceylon tea grown at mid level altitude
• » Yatawatte - Low country Ceylon tea grown at lower altitude

All Ceylon tea produced in Sri Lanka has a right to carry the "Lion Logo" (see image on the right), which denotes that the tea was produced in Sri Lanka and that it is pure Ceylon Tea. Any producer of Ceylon tea wanting to use this logo on their tea products must first go through an approval process through the governing body (the Sri Lanka Tea Board), before they are allowed to use this logo and the slogan "Pure Ceylon Tea - Packed in Sri Lanka".

Ceylon tea, like many other types of tea comes in a multiple varieties. Ceylon tea or Ceylon black tea is the best known and is famous for its citrusy flavor and together with a crisp aroma makes Ceylon tea unique from other black teas grown elsewhere around the world. Ceylon black tea 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 green Ceylon tea. Green Ceylon tea (or Ceylon green tea) is generally more pungent than other teas and has a distinct nutty taste to it. Ceylon green tea has its very own characteristics and this particular Ceylon tea is darker and richer in flavor than the green tea commonly found in China and the Middle East. Green Ceylon tea 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 Ceylon tea is Ceylon white tea. This type of Ceylon tea 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 of this tea. The prices for white Ceylon tea are higher than for other teas because it is a rare Ceylon tea. This Ceylon tea is also more delicate in flavor. White tea has a very unique history. This tea was grown specifically for the Chinese emperor and was never touched by human hands. At ready for harvest, the tea leaves were cut with golden scissors onto a golden plate by virgins. For present day white Ceylon tea, these leaves are harvested by hand. However, unlike other teas, the leaves are rolled by hand and put out in the sun to dry.

Ceylon tea, like many other teas contain high levels of antioxidants. This in itself, if not the taste of fine Ceylon tea is reason enough to enjoy a cup of Ceylon tea. Not only will your mental state be soothed, but your body will benefit too and now you know a little more about the type of tea that is Ceylon tea.

Disclaimer: The information contained on this site is not intended to replace the diagnosis, treatment, consultation and services of a qualified Medical Practitioner. All information presented is in summary form and intended only for informational purposes. Always seek immediate medical attention for any illness you may have and never disregard the advice from qualified Medical Practitioners as something you have read on this site (or related sites) could be misinterpreted.