A History of Tea in Sri Lanka: From Coffee to a Golden Leaf

Sri Lanka, a small island nation, has a rich history intertwined with the cultivation and production of tea. While today it's synonymous with high-quality tea, the journey began with a different crop.

The Coffee Era

In the mid-19th century, Sri Lanka was a major producer of coffee. The island's fertile soil and tropical climate provided ideal conditions for coffee cultivation. However, in the 1860s, a devastating fungal infection known as coffee leaf rust wiped out the entire coffee industry.

The Rise of Tea

With the collapse of the coffee industry, Sri Lankan planters turned their attention to tea. In 1867, a Scottish planter named James Taylor, often referred to as the "father of Ceylon tea," returned from India to plant the first commercial tea estate in the central highlands of the island – a 21-acre plot on Loolecondera.

The transition to tea proved to be a wise decision. The island's diverse microclimates, ranging from the cool, misty highlands to the warm, humid lowlands, offer ideal conditions for producing a wide variety of teas. The rich volcanic soil and abundant rainfall further contribute to the exceptional quality of Sri Lankan tea.

The Golden Age of Ceylon Tea

The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked the golden age of Ceylon tea. British entrepreneurs established vast tea plantations throughout Sri Lanka, and the industry flourished. Ceylon tea gained global recognition for its unique flavour, aroma, and strength. The British developed a strong affinity for Ceylon tea, and it became a staple in British households and is still frequently used in quintessentially British tea blends such as English Breakfast tea and Earl Grey tea. It is a firm favourite as the base of Char’s Earl Grey Supreme.

The Modern Era

In the post-independence era, Sri Lanka's tea industry has continued to thrive. However, it faces challenges such as fluctuating global prices, labour shortages, and climate change. Despite these challenges, the industry remains a significant contributor to the country's economy.

Today, Sri Lanka is one of the world's leading tea-producing nations, exporting high-quality tea to countries around the globe. Taste the history and explore Char’s carefully selected range of Ceylon teas.