Tea from Sri Lanka (Ceylon): Full Range of Black Teas

Sri Lanka is, under its former colonial name, Ceylon, synonymous with some of the world's most multifaceted black teas. The island is today one of the leading tea nations globally, and "Ceylon tea" is a strong brand that stands for lightness, freshness and a clean flavor profile.

A History of Tea Culture

Until the mid-19th century, Sri Lanka's agriculture was dominated by coffee. When coffee was wiped out by a fungal disease (rust) around 1870, the focus quickly shifted to tea cultivation, led by Scotsman James Taylor. Today, the island has thousands of tea plantations and is a global exporter of tea. Thanks to its unique topography and even climate, Sri Lanka can produce tea year-round, guaranteeing fresh harvests.

Flavor Profiles Determined by Altitude

Although the main focus is on black tea, the unique topography creates a wide range of flavors. Tea is grown from sea level up to 2,500 meters, and the altitude causes the flavor to vary dramatically. This has given rise to three distinct flavor regions, categorized by growing altitude:

1. High-Grown Tea

Regions: Nuwara Eliya, Uva, Dimbula.

Altitude: Over 1200 meters.

Flavor Profile: A premium quality tea. Slow growing at high altitudes gives it a delicious, light and florally elegant character. It brews a light, golden cup that is perfect for drinking without milk or sugar, and is often used in luxurious iced teas.

2. Mid-Grown Tea

Regions: Kandy, Matale.

Altitude: Between 600 and 1200 meters.

Flavor Profile: Produces a fuller cup than Highland Tea. The flavor is stronger, richer and has more body. This is an excellent all-round and breakfast tea that balances strength with freshness.

3. Low-Grown Tea

Regions: Ruhuna, Sabaragamuwa.

Altitude: Below 600 meters.

Flavor Profile: This black tea is known for being very dark, powerful, and malty, with a sweet finish. The leaves are often larger. This tea is popular in regions where a strong tea is preferred, such as the Middle East.

Ceylon: A Guarantee of Quality

Sri Lanka has been a pioneer in quality assurance. The country was one of the first in the world to legislate that only 100% pure Ceylon tea, packed in the country, may carry the country's Lion Logo. This lion is a seal of quality that guarantees that the tea meets the high standards for which Ceylon is known.

Whether you seek the sophisticated elegance of the Highlands, the balanced strength of the Middle Highlands, or the deep darkness of the Lowlands, tea from Sri Lanka offers a multifaceted taste experience that spans the entire flavor spectrum of black tea.