Akbar Tea - Ceylon tea's flagship brand from Sri Lanka
Tea which originated from China and subsequently India is identified by the botanical name of “Camellia Thea”. Moreover, it is from India’s botanical garden in Culcutta that the first plant of tea was brought to Ceylon, to the botanical garden at Peradeniya, near Kandy. This was in 1839 on an experimental basis, when the coffee boom was in full swing. Tea started receiving worthwhile attention only after the coffee plantations were devastated subsequently by a leaf disease. James Taylor – a Scotsman - in 1867, is credited with making the first commercial basis tea planting in Ceylon. The success of his pioneering effort at Loolecondera estate was enthusiastically followed by scores of other planters, thus heralding a new era of great promise, productivity and profitability.
History of Ceylon Tea
Tea is extremely sensitive to the elements of the atmosphere - be it the climate, soil, temperature or even fragrance. In Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) the 3 different elevations where tea grows, bring out distinct differences accordingly in color, taste and aroma. This forms the basis for the differences in tea varieties.
Tea region
Throughout the centuries, tea was known to have possessed invigorating and curative qualities, which are beneficial for the humans’ health and vitality. Recent scientific studies have only confirmed these long held beliefs beyond doubt.
Tea and Health