Sri Lanka tea

111 Sri Lanka teas from 13 independent UK tea merchants, from £2.20.

Sri Lanka — still sold as “Ceylon” — is one of the great black-tea origins, and its teas are graded by the altitude they grow at. High-grown teas (Nuwara Eliya, Dimbula) are light, brisk and bright; mid-grown are fuller; low-grown are strong and dark. The classic Ceylon character is citrusy, brisk and clean, making a refreshing cup that suits milk or lemon, with Uva — harvested in the dry season — especially prized. For UK buyers, single-estate Ceylon from independent merchants is a world away from the commodity blend: look for the region and elevation. Sri Lanka also makes increasing amounts of green and white tea, including the rare, delicate Silver Tips.