Stash Organic Ceylon Tea
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Stash Organic Ceylon Tea

Ceylon, or its contemporary name, Sri Lanka, is divided by a chain of mountains. The East side of the mountains is the Uva region and the West side is the Dimbulla region, each producing teas renowned for their distinct character and flavor. Sri Lanka is a beautiful tropical island about the size of England and lies just 22 miles off the southern tip of India. Sri Lanka supplies about 25% of the world's tea. The nearly six hundred thousand acres of tea under cultivation provide well over half of the island's export earnings.

Ceylon grew no tea until 1867, when James Taylor, the Scottish manager of the Loolecondera tea Estate, first planted some. His timing was fortuitous, as just two years later a fungus disease descended on the island's coffee plantations ruining Ceylon's leading industry. Those who could afford to, turned to growing tea.

Ceylon tea is grown from sea level to altitudes exceeding 7,000 feet. The best Ceylon teas are harvested at altitudes above 4,000 feet. Here the bushes grow more slowly and yield far less, not to mention being more difficult to harvest. Most high grown Ceylon teas come from gardens so steep that the newly picked green leaves must be conveyed to the estate factory by means of aerial ropeways.

Our Organic Ceylon is from the Dimbulla region which has tea estates at elevations of 5,000 to 6,000 feet and seasonal monsoons. Dimbulla was one of the first areas planted in the 1870s after tea took the place of coffee. The teas are harvested December through February. Dry winds coupled with bright days and cold nights contribute to this aromatic and flavorful tea.

Stash Organic Ceylon Black tea is characterized by long, chestnut colored leaves and is a rich tea with an invigorating taste. It is an excellent morning cup. Try it with a splash of milk.

Our Organic Ceylon Black tea is certified by the renowned "Institute for MarketEcology" in Switzerland, which is an IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements) member, recognized worldwide.

Note: Stash Tea is certified organic by Quality Assurance International. QAI is a professional organic certification service that is internationally recognized. QAI's program is designed to certify every step of the organic chain - from the land on which the product is grown, to the growers, to the post harvest facilities and the final processing and handling facilities.

Such diligence provides assurance that the end product is indeed organic and that it complies with state, provincial, national and international organic standards. Products which carry the QAI certification seal convey the confidence of an unbroken "chain of custody" that all materials and processes have been individually certified as organic. This tea is best enjoyed in the evening and goes well with food.