English Evening Tea

The Nuwara Eliya (pronounced ‘nerilleeya’) and Dimbula district are among the top growing districts in Sri Lanka. During its peak season (Feb/Mar) these districts roduction is characterized by a delightful flavor that is astringent and bright. The best conditions for production are noted by cool nights, a sprinkling of rain in the evenings but generally dry weather and bright sunny days. These conditions force the tea bush to expend all its energies into the new growth, giving the tea its best flavor.

The Darjeeling district is in north central India, in foothills of the Himalayan mountains where the cool air, high altitude (above 5000 feet above sea level), unique soils and Chinese genus tea bush, combine to produce a wonderful tea with an intriguing muscatel character.

The White Monkey Paw green tea (only made from the new shoots of the early spring growth during end March and early April) imparts lightness and a visual ethereal character that is not possible with a black tea.

English Evening Tea is a tea that is full of flavor but with a light character that does not detract from the flavors of the evening meal. The tea will instill an urge to pour a second cup and promote conversation and discussion with guests or with your family. This special blend was given to us by a close friend whose family has been in the tea business for more than 150 years! It has been enjoyed by many in the British Isles (from the Duke of Earl to the cockneys of London) for well over 200 years and we are certain that you will find enjoyment in maintaining this tradition.

Hot tea brewing method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 teaspoon of tea for each cup into the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the teapot. Cover and let steep for 3-7 minutes according to taste (the longer the steeping time the stronger the tea). Add milk and sugar to taste.

Iced tea brewing method: (To make 1 liter/quart): Place 6 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea, steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. [A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to double the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water]. Please note that this tea may tend to go cloudy or ‘milky’ when poured over ice; a perfectly normal characteristic of some high quality black teas and nothing to worry about!