The British used the colony of Ceylon as a major source of coffee until 1869 , when a fungal disease destroyed almost all the coffee plantations and caused an economic collapse on the island. It was then that Sir James Taylor arrived on the island and helped introduce tea plants imported from India.
Ceylon tea quickly became the colony's most important export and a brand appreciated worldwide by tea lovers. Even today, the British drink Ceylon tea at five in the afternoon, although the island has had another name, Sri Lanka , since 1972.
How Ceylon tea is produced
Today, many Sri Lankans still make a living from tea farming. No other country in the world produces as many tea leaves per capita as Sri Lanka. In terms of total volume, Sri Lanka is the fourth largest tea producer in the world, behind China, India, and Kenya.
In particular, the island stands out for its high mountains and its cool, humid climate, very suitable for growing slow-growing crops that produce very aromatic teas .
There are around 300,000 inhabitants who work directly on the tea plantations where the tea is harvested by hand throughout the year. Depending on the height of the plantation there are three different qualities: Low grown (low cultivation), Media Grown (medium cultivation) and High Grown (high cultivation), with High Grown being the best variant, which also bears the title of "champagne of Ceylon teas".
Ceylon teas carry a traditional lion logo that guarantees the origin and purity of the tea. Tea lovers appreciate it for its sweet and citrusy flavor .
How to prepare Ceylon tea
Sri Lankans generally enjoy their black tea pure without milk or sugar , and in this pure form, Ceylon is considered especially beneficial to health.
The preparation process requires preheating the teapot with hot water before placing the tea leaves inside and pouring the boiling water in. With the lid closed, the infusion should then steep for at least 3 minutes, but if milk is added, it should be hot.
Sri Lankan cuisine is known worldwide as one of the spiciest because people love spices not only in food but also in tea, so they often add a little ginger to their tea . Many people have difficulty accessing Ceylon tea and substitute black tea for ginger tea , as they cannot afford the fine black tea every day.
To prepare ginger tea, peel a small piece of ginger and steep it directly in a cup of boiling water. After steeping for about 5 minutes, you can sweeten it with honey and add a squeeze of lemon to lighten its spicy flavor.
Benefits of Ceylon black tea
As in other parts of the world, tea culture in Sri Lanka not only enlivens the body and mind, but also social relationships among its inhabitants. On average, residents drink three cups a day for breakfast or at an afternoon social gathering. However, even on formal occasions or when receiving a guest, a good cup of the national beverage is a must.
Each tea ceremony is also an opportunity to present one's tea accessories, provided that the family can afford to have them, since the quality of tea accessories such as teapot , tray, cups or glasses , reflect social status.
Ultimately, the Sri Lankan tea ceremony is no different from British tea, as one thing is certain: Ceylon tea has left a cultural and economic heritage and imprint on both countries.
Are you eager to try its flavor? At Tétique, we offer organic Ceylon tea , among other flavors and blends. Don't delay in trying them, as it's a pleasure you deserve to experience. And in the meantime, discover 5 O'Clock Tea with Jessica .
