Joanna James
A deliciously versatile age-old comfort drink, tea is legendary across cultures for its diverse properties heralding well-being and tranquillity, as well as sparking conversations and uniting strangers. Here are some piquant brews that can be authentically savoured in Sri Lanka.
According to an EU surveillance report, Ceylon tea is considered the cleanest tea in the world, and its unique flavour is not the result of any chemicals or artificial additives. The rich taste of Ceylon tea is unmatched and has wholesome qualities that are highly valued. From the decadent flowery pekoe bouquets rising 6000 ft from the misted Central Highlands of Nuwara Eliya, the subtly tangy rose-tinted liqueur from Uda Pussellawa, and the spiced golden-orange depths of Dimbula tea to the intensely flavoury leaves from the Kandyan Kingdom and the dusky vibrant richness hailing from Ruhuna, Lanka’s prime tea districts are bountiful to the tastebuds as they are a gorgeous feast for beauty-loving eyes.
If you’re newly embarking on your journey of tea discovery, the best place to start is with the heady, intense, and deliciously fulsome black tea, infused with the malty, caramel taste of Orange Pekoe, perfect on its own or with milk and spices, such as locally-grown cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Black tea, whether the honeyed light-hearted brews of the uplands or the burgundy richness from the low-growing estates, boasts a myriad of health benefits, from combating free radicals and boosting the immune system to staunching stomach inflammation and lowering blood sugar levels with its abundance of amino acids, polyphenols, and alkaloids. If you’re on the hunt for premium Ceylon tea in Sri Lanka for a deliciously mild caffeine fix, venture no further than Anverally & Sons.
Of Sri Lanka’s handpicked, eco-friendly, and ethically sourced tea varieties, white tea, derived from picturesque Silvertips, has the most refreshing medley of subtle yet sweet notes reminiscent of pine and honey and is enriched with stupendous health benefits. For instance, this delicate yellow liqueur is a depository of cancer-fighting catechins, ample antioxidants to conquer free radicals and polyphenols with anti-ageing properties. This reviving beverage is also relatively easy and faster to prepare and can be enjoyed warm or chilled.
While many associate this calibre of tea with weight loss and calorie burning, green tea, with its range of wholesome bioactive compounds and brain-elevating amino acids, can be a fun and delicious way to detox! From trying out premium flavours such as jasmine, peppermint, lemon, and apricot-infused green tea to combining it with tropical fruits like mango, strawberry, and pineapple for a colourful iced tea, the earthiness of Ceylon green tea is the perfect complement to the sweet tartness of tropical flavours.
A gentle stress reliever, this semi-fermented brew represents the median between green and black teas, combining the aromatic mellowness of the latter with the more complex flavour profile of the former. Uplifting with the lingering scent of spring, Lankan Oolong tea is perfect for a light pick-me-up between meals or during the mid-afternoon energy slump.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
