James Taylor and Ceylon Tea

It was also through James Taylor the exporting of pure Ceylon tea to countries outside of Sri Lanka was made possible.The country’s first tea shipment was exported to London.

As more tea plantations were established many Sinhalese who lived in these areas refused to work in the plantations which led the British to bring in labor from South India.

These laborers were known as Tamils.

Today the majority of the tea plantation workers consist of Tamils and only a tiny portion are Sinhalese.

With so many tea plantations having been set up in different parts of the island the types of Ceylon teas grown also varied according to the areas the tea plantations were situated in.

4 groups of tea evolved and each group differed from the other through flavor, texture and color when brewed.

These teas were known as High-Grown Teas, Mid - Grown Teas, Low - Grown Teas and Uva Teas.

High Grown teas were produced in Nuwara Eliya and Dimbula areas.

When brewed the teas produce a golden color and have a strong taste to it when compared to the Mid-Growns and Low-Growns.

Mid-Grown teas are produced in the Central Highlands like in Kandy. The teas are both rich in flavor and color when brewed.

Low-Grown teas are produced in Galle, Matara and Ratnapura areas. The teas have a dark rich color to it when brewed.

Uva Teas are produced in the Uva Province in areas like Badulla and Bandarawela. When brewed it gives a reddish-brown color and has a delicate smooth taste when compared to the other varieties of Ceylon teas.

You will need:

• Hot water (bring water to boiling point)
• Tea Bag
• Teacup

Place the tea bag into a cup. Gently fill ¾ of the cup with hot boiling water. Allow to brew for 2 minutes before drinking. If you’re planning to have the tea with milk let it brew for 3-4 minutes. This allows the tea to get a darker color and have a stronger taste.

* To make a pot of tea use 4 tea bags for every quart of water. Place the tea bags in the pot and fill the pot with hot boiling water. Cover with lid and let brew for 2 minutes if you are going to have the tea without milk. Brew for 4-5 minutes if you’re adding milk.

• Hot water ((bring water to boiling level)
• ½ teaspoon loose tea leaves
• Teacup

Place the tea leaves in the cup. Gently pour boiling water and fill the cup ¾ way. Allow to brew for 2 minutes. Strain and drink.

*To make a pot of tea put 2 teaspoons of tea leaves into the pot. Fill ¾ of the pot with hot boiling water. Cover with lid and let brew for 3 minutes if you are going to have the tea without milk. Brew for 5 minutes if you’re adding milk.