Famed the world over for its Ceylon Tea, Sri Lanka features various tea types that connoisseurs of this beverage should look to try when here or order online.

Black Tea

Considered the cleanest tea in the world, Ceylon black tea cultivated sans harmful pesticides is expertly grown amidst the mountains of Sri Lanka and plucked using the ‘two leaves and a bud’ technique. Loose black tea, as well as organic black tea, are carefully produced by the likes of Anverally & Sons that are linked with the island’s tea heritage ensuring you can savour the rich taste.

Green Tea

Green Tea
Green Tea | Image via Pixabay

Known for its high antioxidant properties, green tea is produced in Sri Lanka too and is popular due to its health benefits. Unlike when processing black tea, the leaves of green tea are unfermented which preserves the antioxidants. Interestingly, it’s also manufactured using the traditional Chinese method of production, while you get flavoured green tea products as well.

White Tea

White tea, also known as “silver tips”, is one of the world’s most expensive teas since it’s completely handmade. Its harvesting process stands out and involves carefully plucking the tea buds that do not undergo any fermentation, while they are individually hand-rolled. The result is a light and subtle tea that has more antioxidants and less caffeine than black and green teas.

Herbal Tea

Herbal teas in Sri Lanka are not made from the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) at all! Instead, such teas utilise natural herbs, flowers, leaves, barks or fruits that are known to have healing properties and are part of the island’s traditional Ayurvedic practices. Gotu kola (Centella asiatica), hibiscus and coriander herbal teas are some of the options you can try.