What Is Ceylon Tea

Ceylon tea is a popular type of black tea that is also known as Sri Lankan tea. Served as an iced tea or warm, it is a favorite beverage for many tea drinkers. While Ceylon is known for its bold flavor, it can vary significantly in taste, depending on the type of tea and where it's grown in the country.

WHAT IS CEYLON TEA

Ceylon (say-lawn) tea is a tea produced on the island nation of Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon. Sri Lanka is small, but it has an enormous range in elevation, climate, soil type, plant varietals, and weather, so the flavors and character of the teas produced there vary greatly. Despite the regional nuances, a classic Ceylon flavor is generally thought to be bold, full, and brisk. It has medium-to-full tannin and some notes of citrus, chocolate, or spice.

Ceylon teas are made from the dried leaves of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis. The leaves are often described as wiry because they are left long and thin with a wire like look. In the world of tea, these leaves are very easy to recognize. Most Ceylon tea is orthodox tea, meaning it was processed by hand, making a brisk, bright tea.

USES

Ceylon tea is typically consumed as a refreshing beverage, freshly brewed and hot, or as an iced tea. Lemon, sweeteners, and/or milk may be added to smooth its strong flavor and reduce bitterness. Because of its caffeine and brisk qualities, it makes for a good morning or afternoon tea.

CAFFEINE CONTENT IN CEYLON TEA

Ceylon tea does have caffeine, but the amount will vary depending on the leaves used and how it is prepared. Tea bags usually have more caffeine than whole tea leaves, and the steeping time will also affect the caffeine level. An 8-ounce cup of Ceylon black tea generally contains 50 to 90 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the strength to which it's brewed. Ceylon green tea usually has about 35 milligrams per cup, and Ceylon white tea may have as little as 6 milligrams, depending on where it is from.

BUYING AND STORING

When buying Ceylon tea, purchase loose leaves for optimum quality; alternatively, purchase tea bags. Genuine Ceylon tea displays a unique lion logo on the package. The logo is owned by the Sri Lankan Tea Board and is trademarked around the world. Store the tea in a clean airtight container in a cool and dry place, away from moisture, heat, light, and pungent odors.