Lime Naturally Flavoured Black Tea

• Country of Origin: Sri Lanka
• Region: Nuwara Eliya, Dimbula or Uva districts
• Shipping Port: Colombo
• Grade: OP (Orange Pekoe)
• Altitude: 4800 - 7600 feet above sea level
• Manufacturer Type: Orthodox
• Cup Characteristics: Full bodied and astringent. Natural flavorings capture the profile of fresh lime perfectly. With a dash of sugar this tea is amazing over ice.
• Infusions: Bright and Coppery
• Ingredients: Luxury black tea, Natural dried lime peel, Natural flavors.

Have you ever wondered why British people are sometimes referred to as Limeys? The answer comes from the time of the British empire when sailors, who would be gone sometimes for months and even years at sea, were given limes – which are high in vitamin C – to help ward off scurvy. It is fitting in a way that we produce this particular blend of tea since it is also the British who come to mind when one thinks of tea! The lime itself (Latin: Citrus aurantifolia) is native to India and grows on a smallish thorny bush. The sweet, tart character of the small green fruit blends very well with our high grown Ceylon. The infusion produces a cup that is pleasingly astringent and surprisingly full-bodied.

What type of tea do we use, how do we flavor the tea and why do we use natural flavors?

Firstly... we only use high grown teas from the top 3 tea growing regions of Sri Lanka - Nuwara Eliya, Dimbula and Uva. These three high-grown districts produce flavorful teas that have classic ‘Ceylon’ tea character which is noted by floral bouquet and flavor notes, touches of mild astringency, bright coppery color and, most importantly - perfect for use as the base tea of our flavored teas. (We have tested teas from various other origins around the world as base stock for our flavored teas, but none of these teas made the grade.) Dimbula and the western estates of Nuwara Eliya have a major quality peak during Jan/Feb, whereas Uva and the eastern estates of Nuwara Eliya have their peak in July/Aug. This ‘dual peak period’ allow us to buy the best for our flavored tea blends several times during the year, ensuring top quality and freshness.

Secondly... we use flavoring oils not crystals to give the tea drinker an olfactory holiday before indulging in a liquid tea treat.

Thirdly, we specify natural flavors. High quality tea tastes good and natural flavors do not mask the natural taste of the high grown Ceylon tea. (The norm for many making flavored tea is to use overpowering artificial flavors, which can be used to hide lower quality tea). Natural flavors do not leave an aftertaste giving the tea a clean and true character. It should be noted that natural flavors tend to be somewhat ‘soft ‘ and the flavors slightly muted, but for many this is a refreshing change and one of the desired attributes of our naturally flavored teas.