The Perfect Cup of Ceylon Tea

A warm cup of tea at any time of day in any weather is guaranteed to give a boost of satisfaction to tea aficionados in many countries around the world. Known as the brand Ceylon Tea, the black tea produced in the hills of Sri Lanka has withstood the competition of other beverages, other producers and changes in consumer tastes to maintain its position amongst the best teas in the world.

Tea has been grown in the country since about 1867 and Sri Lanka was once the largest tea producing nation in the world. Grown on elevations ranging from 1,500 to over 4,000 feet, tea at each elevation has its own special quality, flavour, colour and aroma that appeal to various tastes. However the finest teas are said to be produced from bushes that grow above 4,000 feet and although produced right through the year, the best quality tea is said to be picked in February and March and in August and September.

The country’s specialty is the black or fully oxidized tea used both blended and unblended. Pure Ceylon tea blends are identified by the Ceylon Tea Board lion logo and the words “pure Ceylon tea, packed in Sri Lanka” which can only be used for tea sourced in Sri Lanka. The lion logo and the wording guarantee the quality of the product.

The teas are subdivided into low, medium and high grown depending on the elevations they come from and are sold according to leaf grades based on the size of the leaves and smaller broken grades preferred by current buyers. The terminology and style of leaf grades harks back to colonial times when tea leaves were graded by size and appearance. The current market preferences appear to be quick brewing teas with a strong colour.

With the antioxidant properties of tea being touted all over the world, tea drinking in various forms, at various temperatures and in various mixtures is indulged in from humble tea kiosks in rural areas to chic tea shops in up market areas in cities. However in order to enjoy the much talked about perfect cup of Ceylon Tea, the art of brewing it needs to be mastered.

Whether it is nature and wildlife, ancient heritage, sun, sea and sand or urban chic, John Keells Hotels Group has it all. The group, the largest hotelier in the country offers hotel packages in Sri Lanka that encompass a range of different options that allow visitors to enjoy various aspects of the country’s many attractions without becoming mired in reams of information. The holiday packages have been tailored to suit every type of requirement and pocket and are guaranteed to provide hassle free holiday experiences. With a range of top quality Sri Lanka hotels to choose from visitors can relax in the knowledge that they are well taken care of.

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