Ceylon High Grown OP – Black Tea

Brew & Taste

Copper-colored tea has a pleasant aroma and a delicious full taste. This beverage from Ceylon is slightly sweet and refreshing, which makes the tea unique and enhances its flavor. We can taste a hint of spiciness and fruity undertones.

Origins

Ceylon, or Sri Lanka, has been one of the main producers of fine tea since the late 19th century. In 1867, the first tea plantation in Kandy began production, and in 1873 the first shipment of Ceylon tea arrived in London. Since then, Sri Lankan tea has been a highly sought-after commodity, accounting for 2% of GDP and employing over a million people. In 1995, this island nation in Southeast Asia was the fourth largest tea producer in the world. Tea plantations cover about 4% of Ceylon and are situated at altitudes above 2,100m. The humidity and frequent cold rainfalls suit the Chinese tea plants (Camellia sinensis) perfectly. They grow in rows, usually on slopes. The buds on the side branches and twigs are harvested. Generally, it is the bud and the two nearest petals which have the maximum flavor and aroma.

Harvesting is a strictly a job for women. Their nimble hands are more reliable than the machines. Only experienced wokrers can gently pinch the leaves without breaking the twigs, which is very important for their further growth. Women harvest 15-20kg of tea leaves each day. Then they are quickly transported to the storage halls where they are carefully checked. The tea factories are usually several storeys high and located right next to the plantations. The tea leaves are transported to the upper floor where they are laid out to be smoked. Later they are rolled to break their structure and start the oxidation process. This is followed by spreading and careful fermentation. Controlling the temperature, humidity and length of fermentation requires great care. The quality, taste, aroma and strength of the tea depend on it. The drying of the leaves, which by then will have changed color from green to copper, takes place in ovens. Finally, the tea is sorted according to size, weighed and packed in boxes or paper bags. Samples are taken from each shipment for quality control.

Ceylon High Grown OP is a blend of authentic Ceylon large-leaf teas. The abbreviation OP stands for Orange Pekoe, a high-quality standard for teas. This tea comes from the Dimbula area, where you can find the oldest tea gardens in Ceylon. Monsoon rains and low temperatures from January to April are typical for this particular area. Local tea has its specific spicy taste, strong aroma and long aftertaste.

Tea packaging preview

We pack our teas in a strong, zip-lock aluminum packet which allows you to easily re-seal its contents. This container protects the quality of the tea against humidity, light or foreign odors, all of which could noticeably affect the quality of the brew.