For tea lovers, the journey of the tea from the farm to their doorstep is as important as the tea itself, and Ceylon Tea is the best example of this. It is a tea whose origin and history give it special significance in the hearts of tea lovers. It is a beverage that carries behind it an unparalleled legacy and success story!
If you're discovering this tea for the first time, let's get started at Thana, the best tea and coffee shop in Saudi Arabia, by explaining the most prominent types of Ceylon tea and why you should try it today before tomorrow.
What is Ceylon tea?
Ceylon tea is the name of the tea grown in Sri Lanka. Not many people know that Sri Lanka was known as Ceylon before its independence. During the British era, tea cultivation and production first began in Sri Lanka. Since then, Ceylon has gained and maintained a reputation for producing the finest tea in the world.
Over time, the finest old Ceylon tea gained widespread popularity in global markets, and Sri Lanka became the world's leading tea exporter. Today, this type of tea is available in a variety of varieties, including black, green, white, and more.
And now the types of Ceylon tea
The most popular types of Ceylon tea are black, white, green, and oolong. All, surprisingly, are extracted from the same plant—Camellia sinensis—but they differ in the way they are processed. We will discuss each type separately:
1. Ceylon Black Tea
Black tea is the most popular type of Ceylon tea. To prepare it, Sri Lankan tea leaves are hand-picked by skilled tea pickers. This hand-picking ensures that only two leaves and one bud are picked in large quantities. These leaves are then withered, rolled, fermented, dried, and sieved.
After the leaves are sifted, they are separated into different grades. The largest, spiny leaves are called "Orange Pekoe", followed by different grades, until they reach the dust grade. Each grade of black tea has a different color and density.
2. Ceylon Green Tea
Green tea is another popular type of Ceylon tea, and is becoming increasingly popular at the moment. The process of preparing green tea is somewhat different from black tea, although they are both extracted from the same plant species.
To process green tea, the leaves are left unfermented to preserve their antioxidant properties. The leaves are then picked, withered, heated, and rolled before being dried and sieved. One of the most important features of Ceylon green tea is that it is pure and clean, just like black tea.
3. Ceylon White Tea
White tea is the finest Ceylon tea, and therefore the most expensive. What distinguishes it is the harvesting process. Only the white tea buds are meticulously picked at dawn. These buds are never fermented, but are individually hand-rolled.
White tea is the only type of tea that is handcrafted. It has a light, delicate color and contains less caffeine and higher antioxidants than green or black tea, making it one of the healthiest beverages.
4. Ceylon Oolong Tea
Ceylon Oolong Tea combines the characteristics of black and green teas and is produced through a partial fermentation process that preserves the tenderness of the leaves while imparting depth and flavor.
Its flavor is gradual, starting with a light floral softness, then a natural touch of sweetness appears, followed by a slight smoky effect. It is suitable for serving hot during meditation or reading sessions, and it can also be served cold with ice cubes on hot days.
5- Ceylon Masala Chai
Ceylon Masala Chai is black tea infused with a blend of spices such as cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and black pepper. It has a strong, warm flavor and is ideal for winter. Some varieties also contain flavors such as vanilla, bergamot, or fruits to provide a different experience.
It is often drunk with milk, and can be served hot on special occasions or used as a luxurious gift for tea lovers.
Learn about 9 of The best types of tea in Saudi Arabia in terms of composition and brand
Benefits of Ceylon tea
Ceylon tea has amazing health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and polyphenolic compounds. Let's take a look at these benefits:
- Supports cardiovascular health: One cup of Ceylon tea contains 25 mg of potassium, which helps relax arteries and blood vessels. Drinking this tea in the morning helps regulate blood pressure, which is important for maintaining heart health.
- Boosting immunity: The antioxidants in Ceylon tea increase the number of white blood cells in the blood and boost immunity.
- Improved weight loss: The most important group of compounds in Ceylon green tea are catechins, especially EGCG, which activates a specific enzyme responsible for breaking down fat cells, preventing fat accumulation.
- Fighting Cancer: The catechins found in Ceylon green tea, especially EGCG, play an important role in treating early-stage prostate cancer. Thanks to its high antioxidant content, Ceylon green tea is known for its ability to fight cancer and inhibit tumor growth.
- Diabetes Treatment: Diabetics' biggest concern is controlling their blood sugar levels, and the polyphenols in Ceylon Oolong tea help keep blood sugar and insulin levels within normal limits.
- Kidney stone prevention: Ceylon tea is known for its ability to reduce the risk of kidney stones by preventing the formation of calcium oxalate deposits in the urinary tract.
- Supports Stomach Health: Some studies suggest that Ceylon black tea aids digestion. Thearubigin, a polyphenol found in black tea, speeds up stool flow and supports bowel function.
- Glowing, radiant skin: Did you know that sun exposure causes aging and increases the risk of skin cancer? The polyphenols in Ceylon tea protect the skin from these harmful UV rays.
- Boost Mental Alertness: Looking for the perfect beverage to kick-start your day? Ceylon black tea is rich in nutrients like minerals and vitamins that keep you energized throughout the day, and with the right amount of caffeine, it will keep you alert and sharp.
- Stronger, Healthier Bones: Drinking Ceylon tea protects against osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become brittle and weak. Regular consumption of Ceylon tea is known to improve overall bone density.
The best types of Ceylon tea from Thana Store
From the heart of the Sri Lankan hills, we bring you the finest tea flavors. At Thana, we have selected two types for you, each one to suit your taste and satisfy your mood:
- Northern Tea Capsules : This tea has a light flavor and a golden color. You can enjoy it in the morning, or during moments of concentration. It is known as the tea that satisfies all tastes.
- Jamr Tea Capsules : This tea is different. It has a strong character, and its flavor is deeper and richer than the teas you are used to. It is a luxurious Ceylon tea that is ideal for lovers of strong tea. You should not miss trying it.
Shop now and order the best Saudi Ceylon tea from Thana Store and enjoy exclusive tea and coffee offers available for a limited time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Ceylon tea and regular tea?
Ceylon tea is grown in Sri Lanka and is characterised by its strong flavour and deep red colour. Regular tea is any tea that is popular locally, often from multiple countries with a less distinctive taste.
What is Ceylon tea?
Ceylon tea is a tea grown in the Sri Lankan highlands and is known for its high quality and strong flavor. It is available in black, green, and white varieties, but black is the most popular.
What is the difference between black tea and Ceylon tea?
Black tea is a type of tea that is fully oxidized and comes from several countries, but Ceylon tea is a type of black tea, but it originates only in Sri Lanka, and the difference is also in the flavor, as Ceylon has a richer and stronger taste.
How do I know the original Ceylon tea?
Authentic Ceylon tea is dark, dry, and dull in color, and has a strong aroma when opened. We recommend purchasing from trusted stores and avoiding packages that do not list Sri Lanka as the direct source.
How to make Ceylon tea?
To make a cup of Ceylon tea, boil water, add one teaspoon of Ceylon tea to each cup, and let it boil for 3 to 5 minutes. Strain and pour it into a cup. You can add sugar or milk as desired. For a stronger flavor and greater benefit, cover the pot while steeping and do not over-boil.