FROM LEAF TO YOUR CUP

Tea Plucking

Only the two tender leaves and bud are plucked. The process of gathering the leaves is done totally by hand, by hundreds of plantation workers, making it a very labor intensive process. This exercise makes certain that only the finest leaves go into the making of wholesome Pure Ceylon Tea.

Withering

Next the plucked leaves are spread out on long trays with warm air passing through the leaves for close to 18 hours. This helps to remove the moisture making the leaves soft & supple while facilitating bio-chemical alterations that gives the tea its character.

Withering

Next the plucked leaves are spread out on long trays with warm air passing through the leaves for close to 18 hours. This helps to remove the moisture making the leaves soft & supple while facilitating bio-chemical alterations that gives the tea its character.

Rolling

Now the leaves are ready to be rolled using rolling machines. This process breaks the leaves into pieces, thereby crushing the leaf cells. This releases the natural chemical compounds and natural fluids that promote fermentation. The rolling process is repeated a few times more so as to break the leaves into still smaller pieces.

Fermentation

Next the leaves are spread out on open trays in cool, airy, humid rooms so as to facilitate oxidation. This process of fermentation is the most important in the tea process as it aids in developing the aroma and flavor of the tea. This process should be carefully controlled as too long or insufficient fermentation can weaken the tea.

Firing

Next the the fermentation is stopped by drying the leaves in ovens so as to stop the fermentation process. It also helps keep the moisture at a low level, thereby preventing the tea acquiring a musty taste and smell. The firing too must be controlled or the tea would get burnt up./h5>

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Sorting / Grading

Sorting allows identifying the best grades of tea and fetches the prices accordingly. Teas are sorted according to their size, shape, specific gravity and surface characteristics of the particles.

Bulk Packing

Thereafter the teas are packed in bulk form and stored to be transported to the Tea Auction.