Exploring the Finest Sri Lankan Teas: From Luxury Grades to Everyday Brews.

Sri Lanka, known as Ceylon in the tea world, produces some of the world’s most exquisite teas, known for their diverse flavors, unique processing, and high quality. From luxurious silver and golden-tipped teas to affordable blends suited for daily use, the island’s offerings are crafted to cater to a wide range of palates and price points. Here, we explore Sri Lanka's most popular tea grades, ranked from the finest selections to more accessible, everyday options.

1. Pure Ceylon White Tea (Silver Needles)

• Description and Characteristics: As one of the rarest and most premium Sri Lankan teas, Ceylon White Tea is made exclusively from the young, unopened buds of the tea plant. Its delicate nature and labor-intensive processing make it a prized luxury.
• Taste Profile: Light-bodied, smooth, and slightly sweet, with a refined and delicate aroma.
• Average Price: Due to its rarity, Ceylon White Tea sells for LKR 5,000–LKR 15,000 per 100 grams.

2. Golden Tips

• Description and Characteristics: This luxurious tea grade is created from carefully selected young buds with a distinct golden color. Golden Tips are produced with great care, making them highly sought-after by tea connoisseurs.
• Taste Profile: Smooth, naturally sweet, with a soft floral aroma that produces a light-colored, elegant infusion.
• Average Price: Golden Tips typically cost LKR 5,000–LKR 10,000 per 100 grams.

3. Silver Tips

• Description and Characteristics: Another high-end tea, Silver Tips are made from tender buds that retain a silver hue, creating a delicate and aromatic tea experience.
• Taste Profile: Light and ethereal with subtle floral notes and a hint of sweetness.
• Average Price: Silver Tips range between LKR 4,000–LKR 9,000 per 100 grams.

4. Flowery Golden Orange Pekoe (FGS)

• Description and Characteristics: This rare tea is characterized by the young buds and golden tips that add to its beauty and flavor profile, resulting in a refined tea experience.
• Taste Profile: Sweet, floral, and smooth, making it a top choice for those who enjoy a mild yet aromatic tea.
• Average Price: FGS sells for around LKR 3,500–LKR 8,000 per 100 grams.

5. Extra Special Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe (FBOPFEX)

• Description and Characteristics: FBOPFEX is a specialty within the Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe family, known for its small leaves and a high concentration of golden tips, adding elegance to its appearance.
• Taste Profile: Rich and smooth, with a balanced body and floral sweetness.
• Average Price: FBOPFEX is usually priced at LKR 3,000–LKR 5,000 per 100 grams.

6. Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe Fannings Extra Special (FBOPF1)

• Description and Characteristics: Known for its broken leaves with golden tips, FBOPF1 is a premium tea grade that offers both strength and a rich flavor profile.
• Taste Profile: Full-bodied and floral with a smooth, well-rounded finish.
• Average Price: FBOPF1 typically sells for LKR 2,500–LKR 4,000 per 100 grams.

7. Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe (TGFOP)

• Description and Characteristics: This high-quality, unbroken tea grade contains abundant golden tips that enhance its sweet and smooth flavor.
• Taste Profile: Mildly sweet, with floral and fruity notes, making it a light-bodied and elegant choice.
• Average Price: TGFOP ranges from LKR 2,500–LKR 4,500 per 100 grams.

8. Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe (FBOP)

• Description and Characteristics: FBOP features broken leaves with golden tips, creating a balanced and flavorful infusion.
• Taste Profile: Medium-bodied, sweet, with floral aromas and hints of fruit.
• Average Price: FBOP is typically priced around LKR 1,500–LKR 2,500 per 100 grams.

9. Orange Pekoe (OP)

• Description and Characteristics: OP is crafted from whole, unbroken, long leaves, creating a light and aromatic tea.
• Taste Profile: Delicate, mild, and smooth, OP is perfect for those who prefer a softer, less intense tea.
• Average Price: OP is priced between LKR 1,000–LKR 2,500 per 100 grams.

10. Pekoe (PEKOE)

• Description and Characteristics: Made from large, rolled leaves, Pekoe produces a balanced tea with mild strength and a soft aroma.
• Taste Profile: Mellow, light, and aromatic.
• Average Price: Typically costs LKR 700–LKR 1,500 per 100 grams.

11. Broken Orange Pekoe (BOP)

• Description and Characteristics: BOP is a medium-sized leaf grade, popular for its balanced body and robust flavor.
• Taste Profile: Bright and brisk with floral or citrus undertones, often enjoyed with milk.
• Average Price: BOP is affordable, typically LKR 500–LKR 1,500 per 100 grams.

12. Broken Mixed (BM)

• Description and Characteristics: BM is a mix of tea particles of various sizes, offering a balanced cup with strength and smoothness.
• Taste Profile: Mild with slight astringency, ideal for milk tea.
• Average Price: BM is budget-friendly, costing LKR 300–LKR 800 per 100 grams.

13. Dust Tea

• Description and Characteristics: Dust tea is the finest granulated tea, known for its strong and dark infusion.
• Taste Profile: Bold, full-bodied, and brisk, often used for making chai or milk tea.
• Average Price: Dust tea is very affordable, typically LKR 200–LKR 600 per 100 grams.

Sri Lankan teas offer a spectrum of choices, from luxurious selections like Ceylon White Tea and Golden Tips to everyday blends like Dust and Broken Mixed teas. Each grade is distinct, representing the diverse artistry in Sri Lanka’s tea craftsmanship. Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or a casual tea drinker, exploring these grades unveils the depth and quality of Ceylon tea heritage. Exploring the Finest Sri Lankan Teas: From Luxury Grades to Everyday Brews