CEYLON TEA
The Origin of a Tradition of Excellence
Until 1880, the coffee industry of Ceylon flourished magnificently, but its glory came to an end due to the blight. As a result, many acres of coffee were uprooted and replaced by tea plants. Thus, in 1867, a perennial tradition destined to become a worldwide craving was born.
Going further back, in 1839, tea seeds and young plants of the Assam Jat were imported from the Botanical Gardens in Calcutta and planted in the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens as an experiment. Some coffee planters also tried planting tea on their land, but they were more focused on growing coffee, so the tea plots were mostly forgotten for about thirty years. Despite this, tea continued to grow well in the hills of Ceylon.
In 1867, when the blight affected the coffee industry, James Taylor, a Scotsman, commercially planted tea at Loolecondera Estate. This was the first official tea plantation in Ceylon. Five years later, in 1872, the first recorded shipment of tea was exported, weighing 23 pounds and valued at 58 rupees. The first vessel to carry Ceylon tea to England was the steam-ship 'Duke Argyll' in 1877.
A timeless heritage of a tropical island
Ceylon tea is a type of black tea that is highly prized for its distinctive flavor and aroma. With an ideal terroir and a climate to produce a brew with a unique taste, flavour, and aroma, Sri Lanka has become a major tea-producing nation, exporting tea to markets around the world.
The tea plantations of Sri Lanka are typically located in hilly areas with elevations ranging from 600 to 2,500 meters above sea level, providing an ideal climate and soil conditions for the growth of high-quality tea. These high altitudes also result in slow growth and the development of a complex flavor profile. The tea leaves are also hand plucked, ensuring that only the youngest and most tender leaves are used, which produces a delicate and nuanced flavor when brewed.
Sip by sip, a taste of bliss
Ceylon tea is also prized for its versatility, as it can be enjoyed on its own or with a splash of milk and sugar, both piping hot and perfectly chilled. Ceylon tea is also used in various culinary applications as flavouring desserts and marinating meats. Thus, Ceylon Tea has something to offer everyone. Whether enjoyed hot or cold, with or without additives, Ceylon tea is a versatile and delicious beverage that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.
Moreover, Ceylon Tea is renowned for its high quality and consistency. The tea is processed using the traditional method, which involves withering the leaves, rolling them, and then fermenting and drying them. This method is more time-consuming and labor-intensive than the more modern methods used in other tea-producing countries. However, traditionally, the production of tea results in a higher quality tea with a more complex flavor.
The story of Ceylon Tea is a story of innovation, perseverance, and a commitment to quality. Today, Ceylon tea remains one of the world's most highly prized teas, and its unique flavor and aroma continue to captivate tea lovers around the globe. Auctioneer Tea is the most authentic Ceylon Tea brand available in the market, having Akbar Brothers Pvt Ltd- the World's Leading Exporter of Ceylon Tea, assuring the authenticity and quality of Auctioneer Tea as premium quality Ceylon Tea.
Why Ceylon Tea?
A perfectly brewed cup of pure Ceylon tea is guaranteed to keep your health in check. This exquisite beverage has become a lifestyle for many who are passionate about health and fitness.
1. A natural powerhouse of health benefits
Black tea undergoes oxidation during production, forming important groups of polyphenols such as catechins, theaflavins, and thearubigins. These polyphenols are the main source of antioxidants in black tea, which provide various health benefits. These antioxidants can help to protect the body against damage from free radicals. It has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
- Lower the risk of cancer and improve heart health
- Reduces Blood Sugar and Cholesterol
- Relives symptoms of arthritis
- Reduces signs of premature aging
- Improves concentration and reduces anxiety and stress
2. Authenticity at its best
Ceylon tea is produced according to the traditional methods of tea crafting that have been passed down as a legacy. This generational wisdom of tea production has made Sri Lankan tea production a global exemplar in every aspect of the value chain, including cultivation, production, physical distribution, and its highly respected auction system.
3. Unmatched quality
The Lion Logo is the emblem of 100% pure Ceylon Tea that has been manufactured adhering to the stringent guidelines of the Sri Lanka Tea Board. Tea leaves grown in the highlands of Sri Lanka are carefully handpicked to preserve its inherent richness and then withered, fermented, and sorted using the latest technology, making sure to not compromise the hygiene in any step of the procedure. As a result, the ISO Technical Committee has recognized Ceylon Tea as the 'cleanest tea in the world.'
4. Diverse in all aspects
Ceylon tea is well known for its variety of taste profiles. Each tea-growing region of Sri Lanka has its own profile of flavour, aroma, and appearance. Low Grown Tea (Teas grown at elevations below 2000-ft above sea level) are prized for their uniformly black leaf appearance and strong, reddish brewed liquor. In contrast, High Grown Tea (teas grown at elevations above 4000-ft above sea level) is famous for its bright, colorful, brisk, and aromatic liquors.
5. Ethically made with concern for the environment.
Did you know that Ceylon Tea is the first tea beverage to be certified globally as ozone friendly? Sri Lanka has taken steps to meet international environmental standards and has earned the distinction of being the world's first tea beverage to be certified as ozone-friendly. The Largest Exporter of Ceylon Tea, Akbar Brothers Pvt Ltd, from where Auctioneer Tea comes, is Asia's first Carbon Inset company and has also won many accreditations for its commitment towards sustainability.