Ceylon tea
Ceylon tea has been known as the best tea in the world for centuries. It was first brought to Sri Lanka by James Taylor in 1867 and the rest, as they say, is history!
Ceylon tea is mainly associated with black tea, although green and other types are also grown on the island. Sri Lanka, despite being a relatively small country, is characterized by a large diversity of terrain.
As a result, Ceylon teas from various regions gain a different, unique flavor bouquet, which they owe to the altitude above sea level, rainfall, soil, sunlight and plant varieties.
Although there are regional nuances, Ceylon tea is known for its distinctive and full-bodied flavor. Most of the teas are handmade which makes them refreshing and bright.
There are three main types of teas grown in Celon:
- The first and at the same time the most popular is black tea. True Ceylon black tea is made from mature stems of the tea bush and fermented leaves.
- The second type is green tea, the production of which avoids the fermentation process. Thanks to this, the tea leaves remain green and the brewed infusion has a straw-green color. The tea leaves are dried and heated right after the rolling process to stop further fermentation.
- The last type is white tea, also known as "Silver Tips", which consists only of hand-picked and sun-dried buds. The buds are plucked from the unique Camellia Sinensis shrub, whose leaves are longer and have silver tips. It is the least processed tea.
Lion logo - Symbol of quality
The Ceylon Tea Symbol Of Quality, better known as the Lion Logo, is a certificate confirming that the tea manufacturer meets the high standards regulated by the Sri Lankan government body - the Ceylon Tea Board.
The logo is the property of the Sri Lanka Tea Board and is a globally recognized trademark. The presence of the Lion symbol on Basilur tea packaging guarantees that you are drinking 100% Ceylon tea, produced and packaged in Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lanka Tea Board has a special unit that tests the quality of teas. This unit, together with the analytical laboratory, is responsible for assessing the tea before auction and export.
For a tea manufacturer to use the Lion logo, it must not only meet certain legal requirements, but also pass strict tests and quality standards.
The seal of approval from the Sri Lanka Tea Board is essential for any tea packaged or branded in Ceylon that is marked with the Lion symbol.
Ceylon Tea Symbol Of Quality guarantees that:
- The package contains 100% Ceylon tea.
- The tea is packed in Ceylon. Foreign importers and packagers are not allowed to use this logo on their products, even if they contain pure Ceylon tea.
- The tea meets strict quality standards regulated by the Sri Lanka Tea Board.
5 regions of Ceylon
Kandy is the birthplace of Ceylon tea
and the cultural capital of Sri Lanka.
In this district, tea is grown at altitude
from 600 to 1300 meters above sea level.
Tea leaves from local crops allow
enjoy a copper-tinted infusion,
intense spicy-malt taste and aroma.
Basilur tea from the Kandy region is recommended
to all people who appreciate strong teas.
It tastes great served with milk and sweets
additions.
