There's something special about a freshly brewed cup of Ceylon tea. Whether enjoyed with milk or without, this unique leaf has been part of the British tradition for centuries. But where did it originate? What is the history behind the production and trade of Ceylon tea? Let’s take a look.
The Origins of Ceylon Tea
Ceylon Tea first appeared in 1824 when James Taylor purchased land from the Kandyan King to set up his first tea factory. Taylor began experimenting with different types of tea plants and eventually succeeded in producing an entirely new type of tea – Ceylon Tea – which he then exported to England for sale. Since then, the production and trade of Ceylon Tea has become a major industry in Sri Lanka, with over 400 companies involved in the process.
The British Connection
The British East India Company was one of the first European countries to purchase large amounts of Ceylon Tea from Sri Lanka. They began importing this unique variety as early as 1837, and it quickly became popular among their customers. The company went on to invest heavily in developing new types of teas and growing methods, leading to further success in selling their product abroad.
Modern Day Production and Trade
Today, Sri Lanka produces over 300 million kilograms (660 million pounds) of tea each year, making it one of the world’s top suppliers. It exports its products to more than 40 countries around the world, including Britain, Australia, Canada, Japan and China. This makes it one of the most widely traded commodities globally! In addition to being sold as loose-leaf varieties for traditional brewing methods, many companies have begun packaging teas into bags for convenience purposes. For instance Mui Té offers a range of premium quality teas that are all sustainably sourced from trusted producers in Sri Lanka who adhere to ethical standards throughout their production processes.
From humble beginnings as a small-scale experiment by James Taylor back in 1824 until today’s massive production numbers reaching 660 million pounds per year - Ceylon Tea continues to be enjoyed by people all over the world! The traditional brewing method used by generations before us is still alive today and companies like Mui Té, procure sustainably sourced varieties from trusted producers and offer them conveniently packaged into bags for our convenience! For any British audience looking for authentic flavours reminiscent of days gone by - look no further than Mui Té’s selection when enjoying your next cup!
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