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Sri Lanka
In 1972 the island of Ceylon changed its name to Sri Lanka, but its former name, which dates back to the British Empire, has remained in use within the world of tea. It is not unusual to speak of a "Ceylon" to describe a tea from this country. Sri Lanka, nicknamed the tea island, is the third largest producer in the world and supplies more than half of the black tea consumed in France.
The English introduced the tea plant in 1857 but it was not really developed until after 1870: in essence tea cultivation in Sri Lanka owes its development to the total destruction, in 1869, by a parasite of the coffee plantations which used to cover the entire island.
Sri Lankan teas come from six regions located in the south of the island at altitudes ranging from sea level up to 2,500m.
Plucking seasons vary from region to region, depending on when the monsoon is expected that year.
A Sri Lankan tea can be recognized by its superb copper colour and its lively, piquant scent. As for the taste, this varies from one region to another, with the higher altitude teas very often being the best.
As in India, tea growing is organized into gardens, with the name being specified whenever a tea comes exclusively from one of them and has not been blended with any other teas.
The Nuwara Eliya District
A high altitude region that is hardly touched by the monsoon. Plucking takes place between February and April for the best quality. Teas from this region can be recognised by a bronze colour the leaves take on when they are infused. The liqueur is very clear and amber-coloured and its taste is flowery and evokes jasmine.
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District d'Uva
A region of intermediate altitude, notable for its season of dry winds (June to September), which give the Uva region teas their main characteristics: a copper-coloured infusion, mellow and aromatic teas with a round taste, but less full-bodied than other Sri Lankan teas.
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The Dimbula District
The district around Dimbula is drenched by the monsoon rains from June to September. Plucking takes place from January to mid March. The teas are full-bodied and astringent. They produce a light brown infusion and a dark liqueur.
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The Kandy District
This low-lying district produces good quality teas that are full-bodied and astringent.
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District de Galle
This district, located in the south of the island, is renowned for its Orange Pekoes with their highly worked and very regular leaves. Their aroma is powerful and long lasting in the mouth.
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