SRI LANKA

The weather and landscape of this island nation are ideal for growing tea, which is its largest agricultural crop. The nation, for years called Ceylon in the West, gained its independence in 1948. In 1972, it became a republic and renamed itself Sri Lanka. However, the tea produced in estates in the verdant hills is still called Ceylon. Sri Lanka was once the world's largest exporter of tea, but economic and political setbacks have forced it to drop in this category. Nevertheless, it remains a top producer and certainly an esteemed one, being known for some of the best tea estates in the world.

BLACK TEAS

Ceylon: This black tea is very flavorful and mildly astringent, with enough body to stand up to milk. Its beautiful long, thin leaves steep to make a mellow tea that is a favorite the world over.

Nature's Garden (or Koslande) Organic: This estate produces a smooth OP black tea that is delicious served with traditional afternoon tea fare.

Pettigalla: Similar to the teas produced by Kenilworth estate, the slightly fruity OP tea grown and processed on this estate is wonderful as an afternoon tea.

Allen Valley: Known as an excellent FOP tea (Flowery Orange Pekoe), this tea is made from high-quality fine-plucked leaves with golden buds that give it a mellow flavor. This is an afternoon tea of distinction.

Uva Highlands: As another example of an FP tea that can be served morning or afternoon, this is a full flavored brew. Also from this estate is a superior BOP (Broken Orange Pekoe) tea that is wonderful in the morning.

Berubeula: here is another FOP of distinction that makes a delightful afternoon tea.

Nuwara Eliya: This rich, heady, brisk OP (Orange Pekoe) tea is produced as thigh altitudes. It is a tea with a lovely bouquet and excellent clarity that sometimes is referred to as the Champagen of Ceylon teas.

Kenilworth: The long leaves produce bright red color and robust aroma in a tea that is brisk and strong. This tea accomodates milk very nicely and is best enjoyed in the mid to late afternoon.

Saint James: From this estate comes an excellent BOP with good character and full flavor, two qualities of a good morning beverage.

Dryaaba: This FP (Flowery Pekoe) tea is a well balanced, aromatic one that serves as a morning or afternoon tea.

GREENS TEAS

Ceylon: Green Ceylon tea is a rarity, but well worth drinking whne found. It is marvelously aromatic and mellow with the subtle character and full body of the black Ceylon tea.

Nature's Garden OP (or Koslande): Most teas produced in Sri Lanka are black teas, but this estate makes a fresh, fruity green tea as well as a black tea. The green tea marries well with the flavors of fresh greens or roasted vegetables and so is a pleasant accompaniment to a lunch or light supper.