Light, bright and gently floral, this is a classic Ceylon tea. It has light liquoring with hints of delicate floral notes, and dashes of astringency reminiscent of plum run throughout the cup.

History & Heritage

Ceylon tea was born from disaster. In the 1870s, coffee rust destroyed the coffee plantations that had been the island's main crop, and planters switched to tea. The pioneer was a Scottish planter named James Taylor, who planted the island's first tea field, about 19 acres known as Field No. 7, on the Loolecondera estate near Kandy in 1867. Today Sri Lanka recognizes seven distinct tea-growing regions, each with its own character. Taylor's first shipment of Ceylon tea to reach London, in 1873, was only about 23 pounds, a humble beginning for what became one of the world's great tea origins.

Interesting Facts

• The country is now called Sri Lanka, but its tea is still sold around the world as "Ceylon tea."

• Our Organic Ceylon is a Pekoe grade grown above 6,000 feet and certified organic by Pro-Cert Organic Systems Ltd.

• Sri Lanka's seven tea regions are Nuwara Eliya, Dimbula, Uda Pussellawa, Uva, Kandy, Sabaragamuwa and Ruhuna.

Tasting Notes & Pairings

The infusion is bright tending yellow, with a clean, floral flavor and a touch of plum. It is lovely plain or with lemon, and it also makes a refreshing iced tea. Pair it with lemon bars, fruit salad, or light sandwiches.

Brewing tips (general guideline): use 1 rounded teaspoon (about 2–3 g) per 8 oz of freshly boiled water (205–212°F), steeped 3–5 minutes. Adjust to taste.

Like every tea at Beantown Tea & Spices, Organic Ceylon Black Tea is a quality loose-leaf tea offered at an affordable price, with sample and larger sizes so you can find your favorite. Explore more in our Black Tea collection, or pair it with our tea accessories.