The four growing areas of this paradise island produce teas at different times of the year depending on the prevailing monsoon wind. The higher gardens produce medium-bodied liquors with a bright refreshing flavour, sweet aroma and delightful colour. The lower areas give a darker, stronger cup especially the broken "orange pekoes".
Kandy, the district of gemstones yields fine but robust teas.
The Uva district has teas with good body, a little bite and fine character.
Over the mountains in Dimbula are found teas with clean, fruity flavours and coppery red colour, perfect for the afternoon.
Nuwara Eliya, surrounded by mountain peaks up to 9000ft and fed by pure streams have a lighter, crisp flavour and bright, clear colour, again ideal for the afternoon.
Teas from Ceylon are generally lower in caffeine and tannin. The term "Orange Pekoe" and "Broken Orange Pekoe" are synonymous with Ceylon teas and refers to the second leaf down the stem. Pekoe comes from the Chinese "Pak Ho" which means white hair after the downy hairs found on the underside of the best leaves. In character, they sit somewhere between the body of Assam and the floweriness of Darjeeling. All these teas can be taken with milk or a slice of orange. Adjust strength and brewing times accordingly.
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As low as £7.00With malty, citrus undertones and a sweet, floral, jasmine, cypress aroma, this tea typifies the famous character of Dimbula district teas. At the peak point of the year in February and March, the leaves are full of concentrated volatile oils, which allow tea makers to produce a distinctive, regional flavour profile. It has a fruity aftertaste with hints of blackcurrant leaf, which adds to the refreshing quality of its infusion. Previously listed as Ceylon Montecristo
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As low as £6.00Our most popular Sri Lankan tea manages to capture all of the qualities of the Uva district tea growing area. It has the richness and colour of the mid-elevation teas, which carry notes of black treacle, currants and plum, and the fine high notes that evoke grapefruit zest, minty menthol tones and a green wood edge. Previously listed as Pettiagalla.
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As low as £8.00A mild, large leaf tea with a fruity quality, reminiscent of peach, rose and citrus. Subtle notes of malt and dried fruit afford a smooth aftertaste with an exquisite tanginess. Wedged between the Nuwara Eliya and Badulla districts on the eastern slopes of the hill country, Uda Pussellawa is a small town almost entirely dedicated to tea cultivation.
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As low as £6.00The tea has a delicate, slightly reddish semi-broken leaf which brews a highly aromatic, robust infusion perfect with milk. It has refreshing astringency, reminiscent of lemon peel that is balanced by the nuanced darker notes of real ale malt and raisins. A top tea from this picturesque area in the Nuwara Eliya district.
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As low as £7.00This tea carries a complex array of aromatics and flavours. Darker notes of dried fruit, plum, molasses, malt are balanced with a touch of sharp citrus and menthol notes such as mint and eucalyptus. Nuwara Eliya produces tea with a unique flavour. The air is scented with the fragrance of the cypress trees that grow in abundance and mentholated with the wild mint and eucalyptus. Previously listed as Battalgalla.
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As low as £6.00Grown on the eastern slopes of the Central Mountains, this black tea yields a bold and crisp infusion of deep amber that lingers on the palate with delicate notes of astringency. A refreshing cup for the morning or afternoon. The aromatic notes include fresh, sappy wood, plum fruits, molasses through to spice, pepper and mint. Previously listed as Dotel Oya. 1307
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As low as £6.00The typical Uva district flavour is in evidence, with dark fruit, molasses and fragrant woody notes providing a deep character, in balance with citrus fruit peel and mentholated tones. Previously listed as Meddecombra.
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As low as £9.00A real speciality, this rare tea has a smooth, malty character and richness reminiscent of the finest Assam with a very elegant leaf, edged with silver and gold. The sweet honey-like aroma, with tones of apricot and exotic flowers, lifts Precious Jewel above the ordinary realm of Ceylon teas. The honey character transfers into the cup, enhancing the full and well-balanced creamy flavour, which also carries nuances of chocolate, vanilla and blackcurrant.
