This Ceylon Orange Pekoe grade Tea comes from the organic Tea estate of Blackwood. Like all Organic Teas, producers have made it with the environment in mind. The term “Organic” is an assurance that the Tea is entirely free of synthetic fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides. This means that Ceylon Blackwood OP plays a vital role in sustaining the health of soils and ecosystems. This Loose Tea has short, wiry leaves that, when brewed, create an exceptional bouquet of full flavour. It likewise has a rich aftertaste that lingers on the palate long after one has drained their cup. Best of all, Ceylon Blackwood OP Tea, like all Black Teas, has astounding health benefits. According to modern science, Black Teas such as this one can enhance cognitive function. This could very well reduce the risks of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, it can improve cardiovascular health by lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol. It can even support the immune system and aid digestion! “OP” is a term commonly found in Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon). It stands for “Orange Pekoe”, which refers to a grade of Tea that contains leaves larger than FOP (Flowery Orange Pekoe). Workers across Sri Lanka, including the Blackwood Estate, harvest the Tea when the buds have opened into leaves. They seldom contain “tip”. About the Blackwood Tea Estate This estate lies in the Bogawantalawa valley of the Uva province in Sri Lanka. With an altitude of 1,000 metres above sea level, the gardens are very fertile, producing excellent-quality Teas like Ceylon Blackwood OP Tea. According to records, it is one of the oldest estates of Sri Lanka, first established in 1870. Ceylon Tea History The potential for a Ceylon Tea Industry began in 1869. This was because of a plant-based diseased that ripped through the island’s Coffee crop, which in turn opened the way for a new crop – Tea. A Scotsman named James Taylor first planted 19 acres of Tea at his Loolecondera Estate in the Kandy region. In 1872, Taylor established a fully-equipped Tea factory. That same year, he made his first sale of Ceylon Tea. The country hasn’t looked back since. Brewing Guide for Ceylon Loose Leaf Tea Type of Tea: Black Tea. Origin: The Blackwood Tea Estate, Uva Province, Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon). Brewing Instructions: Brew using freshly boiled water. Infuse for 3 to 5 minutes. How to Serve: We recommend serving this Tea with milk or sugar – or both. Some may even add honey or lemon; others serve it Black. Tasting Notes: Ceylon Blackwood OP has a notably rich taste, more so than many other Ceylon Teas. It is full-bodied to the last sip, leaving a luxuriously malty aftertaste. Colour in Cup: Coppery liquor, light in tone. Health Benefits of Drinking Ceylon Tea This Tea has Black Tea benefits capable of improving one’s everyday way of life. According to the latest scientific research, Ceylon Tea can enhance cognitive function. A study conducted at the University of Singapore and published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has the answers. The research project saw some 2,500 participants aged 55 or over undergo cognitive measuring. Two years later, scientists remeasured those involved. The results established that participants who drunk two or three cups of Black Tea a day had a 55% lower chance of suffering from cognitive decline. Those who drank six to ten cups a day, meanwhile, had up to a 63% lower chance.
