Although teeming with many wonders, Sri Lanka is probably best known for its symbolic Ceylon Tea, acclaimed globally as the best tea in the world with its inherent unique characteristics. Cultivated in the country for nearly one and a half centuries, the influence of the climatic conditions of its plantation imparts to the product a variety of flavours and aromas, synonymous with quality.
As the world’s fourth largest producer, tea production is of high importance to the Sri Lankan economy and the world market.
Tea is produced throughout the year in the country with the main growing areas mainly concentrated in the central highlands and the southern inland of the island, with the high grown teas from Sri Lanka reputed for their taste and aroma.
Everyday, around 300,000 estate workers pluck several million tea leaves by hand which is the first step in the manufacture of quality Ceylon tea. The principal production of tea in Sri Lanka is of black or fully oxidized tea which is one of the country's specialities and exudes a crisp aroma reminiscent of citrus. Other products include green tea and the highly prized white tea, also known as ‘silver tips.’
A good blend of Ceylon tea will give a bright, rich, coppery liquor with a brisk fresh flavour. In order to be sure of buying 100 percent Ceylon blended teas when buying pre-packed teas, look for the Ceylon Tea Board Lion logo.