The St James Estate Ceylon Tea is a speciality tea manufactured in the illustrious Malwatta Valley in the UVA tea growing district of Sri Lanka. This exquisite tea, known for its distinctively rich flavour, is a product of the renowned St James Estate, a region celebrated for its production of world-class teas.
This black tea is a connoisseur’s delight, offering a carefully crafted broken leaf of prime quality that, once brewed, yields a bright dark red golden liquor. The taste of this tea is beautifully balanced, carrying a hint of spice that complements its pleasing aroma, making every sip of Ceylon St James Tea a truly memorable experience.
History of St James Estate in Sri Lanka
The St James Estate, the birthplace of the esteemed Ceylon St James Estate Tea, has a fascinating history steeped in tradition and excellence. Founded in the late 19th century during the British colonial period, the estate has been an integral part of Sri Lanka’s tea industry for more than a century.
The founder of the Estate was none other than James Taylor, a pioneering figure in Sri Lanka’s tea industry. Taylor was a Scotsman who arrived in Sri Lanka, then known as Ceylon, in the 1850s, at a time when the island’s economy was heavily dependent on Coffee. However, when a devastating coffee blight hit in the 1860s, Taylor saw an opportunity to diversify into tea production.
He established the St James Estate in the fertile highlands of the UVA district, a region with ideal conditions for tea cultivation.
Under Taylor’s leadership, the St James Estate quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality teas, and it played a pivotal role in transforming Sri Lanka into a major global tea producer. After Taylor’s death, the estate was passed onto successive generations of tea planters, who have upheld his commitment to quality and excellence.
Today, the Estate continues to produce the finest Ceylon Tea, a testament of its enduring legacy and heritage.
Brewing St James Ceylon Tea
Brewing the perfect cup of St James Ceylon Tea involves a process that, while simple, requires attention to detail to truly bring out the tea’s rich flavours. To begin, you need fresh, cold water. The quality of the water greatly influences the taste of the tea, so opt for filtered or bottled water if possible.
Next, heat the water to a rolling boil. For this, the ideal water temperature is 100 degrees Celsius. Once the water has reached this point, add one teaspoon of leaves per cup into your teapot.
After adding the Loose Leaf Tea, pour the boiling water into the teapot. It’s important to ensure the water is still boiling when you pour it over the leaves. This will allow the tea to fully open up and release its rich flavours.
Let the tea steep for about 3 to 5 minutes, depending on your taste preference. A longer steeping time will result in a stronger, more robust flavour.
Finally, strain and pour the brewed tea into your cup. The resulting liquor should have a bright dark red golden colour, indicating that it’s been properly brewed. Enjoy the aromatic, well-balanced taste of the St James Ceylon Tea, savouring every sip of this time-honoured beverage.
Tasting Notes: Apart from its signature spicy notes, the St James Ceylon Tea also boasts a smooth and robust flavour profile. It has a refreshing aftertaste that lingers on the palate, making it a perfect tea to enjoy at any time of day.
Caffeine Content: St James Ceylon Tea contains a moderate amount (approximately 50 to 90 mg) of caffeine, making it suitable for those looking to increase their energy levels without the excess jitters or crash.
To Conclude
Elevate your tea experience with the world-renowned this Tea, a true masterpiece of Sri Lankan tea craftsmanship. From its rich history to its exquisite flavour and aroma, this speciality tea is a testament to the enduring legacy of the St James Estate and the dedication of generations of tea planters in producing the finest Ceylon Tea. Treat yourself to a cuppa and experience the true essence of Sri Lankan tea culture. So why wait?