About Ceylon black tea

Tea plants smuggled from China were first introduced to Sri Lanka in the 1800s while under British rule. At the time, the region was called Ceylon, which lent its name to the tea produced there.

While tea production in Sri Lanka started off with only a few tea plantations, tea continued to gain popularity as an export throughout the 19th century and beyond. Today, Sri Lanka is one of the largest producers of tea in the world. In addition to Ceylon black tea, Sri Lanka also produces other specialty teas, including green and white tea.

Ceylon has notes of citrus and spice, and is delicious enjoyed on its own or with a splash of milk and honey. This classic black tea is high in caffeine, containing about half as much as coffee per cup.

Ceylon tea benefits

Like other types of black tea, Ceylon has several beneficial properties. These include:

High in antioxidants: Like other types of tea made from camellia sinensis plant, black tea is high in antioxidants.
Helps with digestion: Consuming black tea can have a positive effect on digestion and help soothe stomach troubles.
Boosts energy: Ceylon has a moderate amount of caffeine, about half that of a cup of coffee, which can help to boost energy and alertness.
Contains anti-inflammatory properties: Like other types of tea, black tea can help to soothe symptoms of inflammation.

Ceylon tea caffeine content

Ceylon tea is relatively high in caffeine, containing the same amount as most other black teas. However, tea still contains only about half as much caffeine as the average cup of coffee.

How to brew Ceylon tea

To prepare Ceylon tea, we recommend using a teapot, tea infuser, or tea filter. These brewing methods give the tea leaves enough room to expand as the tea steeps, resulting in a richer, more flavorful cup.

Use one level teaspoon of tea leaves for every six ounces of water in your pot or cup. Heat your water to a full boil (approximately 212 degrees) and infuse your tea for two to four minutes.

Our organic Ceylon

Our organic Ceylon black tea is a rich, smooth and highly aromatic black tea from Koslanda, Sri Lanka’s premier region for organic teas. It makes a brisk cup with just a hint of spice, and is a fine example of Ceylon tea at its best.

FAQs

Is Ceylon tea the same as Orange Pekoe?

Orange Pekoe black tea might sound like a specific kind of tea, but it’s actually a system of grading Indian black teas according to the size and quality of their leaves. A grade of Orange Pekoe or OP can refer to almost any loose leaf black tea. Ceylon teas are assessed according to this grade, so they do count as an "Orange Pekoe" tea.

What does Ceylon tea taste like?

Ceylon tea is brisk and robust, with malty, toasty, and spicy notes. It's similar in taste to Indian black teas like Assam and Nilgiri.

Is Ceylon tea caffeinated?

Yes, Ceylon tea contains caffeine. While the amount of caffeine varies depending on the specific tea, in general Ceylon has about half the caffeine of a cup of coffee.

What is Ceylon tea good for?

Like many black teas, Ceylon tea contains antioxidants, can help to give you a boost of energy thanks to its moderate caffeine content, and can also help with digestion and reduce inflammation.

Ceylon vs. Assam tea: what's the difference?

Ceylon and Assam are both robust black teas grown in nearby regions. Ceylon is produced in Sri Lanka, while Assam is produced in the Assam region of India. They taste and look very similar, but Ceylon tends to be a little spicier and dryer, while Assam is bolder and more malty.