Ceylon Tea | Sri Lanka Plantations, History and Types

Sri Lanka is a small island that was wonderfully created by nature.Sri Lanka is a beautiful environment with many villages, trees, lush green mountains, lakes, rivers, ponds, waterfalls, etc.The best example that can be taken to explain this is Ceylon tea. Due to its sweet taste, aroma and golden colour, it has become one of the most famous and best teas used in the world. Grown in those lush mountainous areas, this plant species not only tastes great but also has a strong connection to the heritage of Sri Lanka. If you are a tea lover, mention this delicious Ceylon tea as a special purpose during your itinerary of Sri Lankan trip.

Here is more detailed about Ceylon tea :

History of Ceylon Tea

After the British colonialists took control of Sri Lanka as their kingdom, they began cultivating various crops. The tea tree is one of the new crops. 

It is believed to have been introduced in the 19th century. However, the reason for its introduction is the coffee crop.. They cultivated these coffee trees and cultivated these tea trees as an alternative. Later, it has become unexpectedly popular. Around the year 1800, these crop cultivations began to be formalised. Later, it has also rendered significant services to the country's economy. 

The tea cultivation that was born in this way has made Sri Lanka among the largest tea producers in the world today. Later, Ceylon tea also started to be exported globally. 

 Types of Ceylon Tea 

Ceylon tea is internationally renowned for its exceptional flavour, offering a true taste of Sri Lanka's finest tea to the world. Its bright, crisp flavour and aromatic qualities are the main characteristics of this tea crop. Well-suited to the climate of Sri Lanka, this tea crop is classified based on several important factors such as region, altitude and processing method.

Here is a more detailed look at this:

1. Ceylon black Tea: The most common type of tea produced in many parts of Sri Lanka has a strong flavor.Many people usually enjoy Ceylon tea with lemon, milk, or sugar. The central hilly districts of Sri Lanka, including Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, and Uva, are famous for producing this tea.

2. Green Tea: To retain their vibrant green colour and fresh taste, these tea leaves are brewed rapidly. They have a light and refreshing flavor with notes of grass and flowers such as rose, jasmine, and lavender. This crop is mainly grown in colder areas such as Kandy and Nuwara Eliya and at higher altitudes.

3. White Tea:A unique and premium variety, crafted solely from tea buds. Carefully hand-picked, naturally dried, and delicately roasted to preserve its freshness and prevent oxidation. Grown primarily in the high mountain regions of Nuwara Eliya and Ella, it undergoes minimal processing.It provides a smooth, sweet, and gentle flavour.

4. Oolong Tea: The excellent production of this tea can be found in some of the higher elevations of Sri Lanka.While still being lighter than black tea, this semi-oxidised tea frequently has a fruity flavour and a more complex flavour profile than green tea.

Regional Classifications of Sri Lankan Tea: Tea plantations in Sri Lanka are located in three central regions, each of which contributes different characteristics to the flavour profile of the tea:

• Highlands (Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Uva)
• Middlelands (Dimbula, Kandy)
• Lowlands (Sabaragamuwa, Ruhuna)

This is how Ceylon teas are classified and showcased!

How to Cultivate Sri Lankan Ceylon Tea

Before cultivating tea, one must ensure that the environment has suitable soil. Otherwise, tea trees will not grow well. 

Here is a more detailed explanation:

The area should have a cold climate, foggy highlands, and an altitude of 2,000 feet or more. 

Cultivation should start by planting young tea plants, which should be nourished until they mature.

This crop is perfect if there are factors such as rich soil with nutrients and adequate rainfall. 

The tea trees should be pruned and spaced appropriately, ensuring the plants receive sufficient sunlight.

Tea Production Process

Ceylon tea undergoes a complex process that has several stages Before entering among the world. It goes like this.

1. The tea mats' young leaves are first picked,
2. Then the plucked leaves are withered,
3. Thirdly, the leaves are rolled,
4. Fourthly, all the leaves are fermented,
5. Then, the leaves are dried and sorted. 

In this way, the process is carried out systematically, which helps each tea variety to develop further without losing its flavours and quality. The number of days required for the entire process depends on the type of tea chosen to be produced. The main thing is that visitors to some Sri Lankan tea factories can observe this process closely.

Ceylon tea benefits

Ceylon tea can be considered a delicious drink with health benefits. Due to its high antioxidant content, this crop is very helpful in improving the health of patients with heart disease, digestion, and metabolism. Regular consumption of this drink can reduce stress and improve cognitive function.Specifically, the polyphenols in Ceylon tea help reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses. So, this drink is excellent for people who are more concerned about their health.

Best Time to Visit Ceylon Tea Plantations

The best time to visit Sri Lanka's tea plantations is during the dry season when rainfall is minimal. That is, usually from December to March. The weather is cool and pleasant during this time, which makes it perfect for you to spend time on the tea plantations and explore them.And spend time in the green tea plantations and tea garden. In addition, during this period, it is a fascinating time for you to witness the process of plucking tea leaves and try it out.

Famous Tea Factories in Sri Lanka

In addition to exploring the tea estates, those who want to learn about the tea production process definitely must visit a tea factory. So, these are some of the best factories to visit,

• Damro Labukeli Tea Factory
• Glenlock Tea Factory
• Blue Field Tea Factory
• Pedro Tea Estate
• Loolecondera Estate
• Halpewatte Tea Factory
• Dambatenne Tea Factory

These are more famous factories in Sri Lanka's tourism industry. You can see the process from picking the tea leaves to turning them into tea powder. In addition, you can also taste almost all types of tea. 

Ceylon Tea as a Souvenir

This Ceylon tea is a very special souvenir for visitors who want to take a souvenir of Sri Lanka when they return to their home country after their visit. This powder, which is very clean and intricately processed, more highlights the quality and skill of Sri Lankan producers. As such, as various packaging options, you can buy Ceylon tea from factories such as the Damro tea factory, local tea powder shops, and other general markets.

Sri Lankan hospitality, history, and culture are all strongly linked to Ceylon tea. Whether you're a seasoned tea lover or visiting for the first time, touring the tea plantations, observing the tea production process, and tasting different varieties will make for an unforgettable experience. So, when you arrive in Sri Lanka, be prepared to savor your vacation with a cup of the renowned Ceylon tea.