More About Tea

About Ceylon Tea

credit: Sri Lanka EDB
The consistent quality, distinctive color, aroma and flavor of Ceylon tea have earned it a first-class reputation in the black tea category. Highland Ceylon tea is renowned for its aroma and tea flavor.

The quality of black tea is influenced by plantation, region and climate. Tea trees thrive better in heavily foggy high mountain areas, thus high mountain tea is more preferred over low mountain ones.
.
credit: Sri Lanka EDB

Classified by altitude:

High grown tea (over altitude 1200m)
- Strong aroma, brisk flavor
- honey golden color
.
Medium grown tea (between altitude 600 and 1200m)
- Bright color, rich flavor
.
Low grown tea (below altitude 600m)
- Fair aroma, stronger flavor
- burgundy brown color
.
credit: Sri Lanka EDB

GRADING OF BLACK TEA

credit: manasatea.com
In Sri Lanka, black tea is mainly categorized by the size of finished tealeaves. Grading of tea is unrelated to the quality.

1. BOP (Broken Orange Pekoe) (2-3mm)
- Larger tealeaves, distinctive aroma, bright brew color, mild flavor and less concentrated.

.
2. BOPF (Broken Orange Pekoe Fanning) (1-2mm)
- Tealeaves are smaller than BOP, with moderate aroma and concentration, stronger tea flavor, fine for being enjoyed alone or used in blending.

.

3. DUST (<1mm)
Extremely small tealeaves, in powder form, fair aroma, dark brew and higher concentration, usually used for blending or making tea bags.

Tips of choosing Tea leaves from Sri Lanka:

 

 

 

Lion Symbol of Quality is owned by the Sri Lanka Tea Board and globally trademarked. Lion Logo on the pack of tea is a guarantee for 100% Pure Ceylon Tea packed in Sri Lanka.

Back to blog