The tea plantation in Sri Lanka was started in 1867. It was started at a place named Loolecondera in Kandy hills. Sabaragamuwa is the biggest tea growing region in this island nation. There are various places at which tea plantations are grown, in Sri Lanka; from Kandy to Ruhuna.
Kandy Hills to Ruhuna
The elevations at which tea plantations are grown vary in altitude from around 2000 ft. to 6000 ft. The tea from the plants produced in lower altitudes develops a liqueur that is strong & deep. Tea plantations that are grown at higher elevation develop beverages that are lighter versions, than those at lower altitudes.
Tea Plantations
The plantations have a very favorable climate in Sri Lanka, that aid in good quality tea. Climatic conditions that help in the production of tea include ample rainfall, humidity, along with cool temperatures. These plants require adequate attention & nurturing, especially with the application of natural fertilizers to the soil. For the efficient growth of tea plantations, the younger plants are pruned as well as cut to a height of around six inches.
Ceylon Tea Plantations Experience
Withering
Withering is a process wherein any kind of unwanted debris or dirt is removed. Once withering is done, the tea leaf bundles are rolled & twisted before breaking it off. This allows oxygen to react with these tea leaves which aids in the production of good quality black tea.
Fermentation
The rolled leaves thus start to ferment with exposure to oxygen in the air, as mentioned before; with the time for fermentation fluctuating depending on natural temperature & humidity. Sometimes, it becomes necessary to adjust temperature & humidity as part of optimizing the whole process.
Grading, Sorting, and Packaging
Once the fermentation of tea leaves is done, grading begins. During the process of grading, the end products of fermentation known as tea particles are sorted through meshes. After the entire sorting process, the tea is packed into various packages. These are introduced into the market as well as exported as per various requirements. The processing & packaging of tea is done efficiently and tea from Sri Lanka has been exported to Olympics & Commonwealth Games.
Excursion to Tea Plantations
Most travelers love visiting various tea plantations, as there is lush green. Along with this, people can learn & gather more information and knowledge about how tea leaves are processed as well as packaged. This will be useful for knowing which quality of tea is good while approaching a market to buy the same.
Globes Travel & Shorexcursions ASIA
We at Shorexcursions ASIA have a team that helps travelers who wish to visit these places where tea estates & factories are nearby. It is a nice experience to know more about a beverage that is consumed by almost all people, at least once in their lifetime.
