Blog #Ceylon Tea Supermarket

Known as a ‘cup of comfort’ among many, tea has always been a well-loved beverage across the world for its distinctive flavours and mood-boosting abilities. Among these diverse varieties, black, white and green tea are the staples of Ceylon Tea. Here, we explore the key differences between them and what makes them unique. Refer to this guide to learn about their distinctive characters and enjoy your cuppa according to your mood and needs.

Varieties
What sets these apart mainly is the processing method used to make the Ceylon tea variety. Black tea is taken from the Camellia sinensis plant and is fully oxidised, while green tea is either minimally oxidised or unoxidised. Ceylon white tea is said to be air-dried naturally. Some of the best-known varieties of black tea are English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Lapsang Souchong and Assam. Green tea varieties that are famous include Ginger, Jasmine, Lemon, and Mint, while white tea varieties that are in demand are Silver Tips and Virgin White Tea. 
Explore some of the well-known Ceylon Tea online shopping websites, and you can browse through a wide choice of them. Ceylon Tea Supermarket has varieties such as pure black and green tea, as well as flavoured versions and a mixed favoured variant of the two together. They also have Silver Tips and Golden Tips, which are Ceylon white tea variants which have been made using young buds of the tea plants.

Brewing process 
The temperatures and steeping time matter a lot when you brew each of these Ceylon tea varieties. These vary due to the oxidation level and fragile nature of the tea leaves used to make each of these. You should brew the black tea in boiling water and let it rest there for three to five minutes before adding milk or sugar according to taste. White tea can be simmered in less warm water and then can be taken plain for the best taste, which can sometimes bring out a sweet flavour. Use water ranging between 70 and 80°C to brew green tea, as boiling water can harm its goodness and generate a bitter and astringent taste.

Appearance 
These tea varieties can be recognised at a glance due to their colour and structure. Black tea has a black or dark brown shade and a rolled or grainy look, while white tea has a pale white or silver coloured appearance and comes in the form of tender, unopened buds. They can also feel velvety to your touch. The green tea varieties have green shades from olive green to lighter versions. These have leaves that have different shapes but sometimes look like gunpowder palettes. 
When brewed, you can also recognise the dissimilarities in these three varieties. True to its name, black tea produces a dark and rich shade that can be reddish brown, amber or even mahogany. White tea sets off a pale golden shade or pearly white appearance, while green tea fluctuates between a pale yellow and green colour.

Health benefits 
Though similar antioxidant benefits are offered by each, the difference lies in factors like processing and caffeine levels. Black tea is generally high in theaflavins. This is an ideal feature in lowering blood pressure and improving heart health. It also boosts brain function, keeping you alert when you wish to engage in tasks that demand concentration. According to research, the properties present in this beverage also support the immune system and reduce cancer risk. 
White tea embodies strong anti-ageing properties. Since it embodies L-theanine, it is also a stress buster. The lower caffeine levels in this beverage promote dental hygiene. Green tea is globally renowned as an effective weight loss method when coupled with a balanced diet and exercise. It also helps to reduce arthritis and inflammation.

Many of us are either tea lovers or coffee enthusiasts. These are two of the most delicious beverages in the world, which can be brewed in different ways to suit any palate. Research has unveiled many key benefits attached to tea, which could possibly make it a better alternative to coffee. Read on to see the advantages that are in store for you - one sip at a time!

Health benefits 
Those who are looking for a beverage that is full to the brim with wellness will not be disappointed when they down a cup of freshly brewed tea. Tea has an abundance of polyphenols, a kind of antioxidant that plants naturally produce, making it a great alternative to sugary drinks like cola, energy drinks and fruit punch. The best Ceylon Tea in Sri Lanka, which is rich in antioxidants, is found in variants like Ceylon Green Tea and Ceylon White Tea. 
These varieties aid in improving cardiovascular health, reducing inflammation, and possibly lowering the risk of cancer. Variants like green tea can be beneficial for weight loss as they reduce unhealthy fat and help with the body’s metabolism. Those who suffer from high blood pressure will also find a daily cup of tea soothing since it protects them against prehypertension and hypertension, and is especially good for their heart health. Other health issues which can be tackled to some extent through tea include diabetes, cancer, and mental alertness.

Distinctive flavours 
Though both tea and coffee have a wide range of flavours and aromas, tea is noted to have a wider choice than coffee, as it has moved away from the bold and bitter taste that is usually present in coffee. There is a vast spectrum of flavour profiles present in tea, such as black, white, green and oolong, as well as herbal-infused ones which are prepared using herbs, flowers and roots.  
Visit Ceylon Tea Supermarket to inspect varieties like pure black tea and green tea, as well as flavoured versions of these. They also have mixed-flavoured black and green tea, along with herbal and organic tea varieties, so that you can scrutinise them and choose the ones which go with your taste.

Sustainable initiatives involved 
A little-known fact linked with Ceylon tea is that it is certified as ozone-friendly. In fact, the nation has been the pioneer of this concept, which has been recognised under the Montreal Protocol. Therefore, the tea-making process in Sri Lanka has turned to environmentally friendly alternatives, such as eliminating the usage of methyl bromide and instead turning to cultural, biological, and minimal, judicious chemical practices to tackle issues and control pests. These include introducing natural predators such as spiders and ladybugs to the areas which have been cultivated or using plant-derived insecticides like garlic, neem oil or chilli extracts to drive out these enemies. 
More industry-driven packaging has also been introduced by using cardboard, recycled paper, rather than plastic or polythene. Tea bags, too, have been made using environmentally friendly alternatives such as unbleached paper or cornstarch. These are minus microplastics, which are typically found in conventional tea bags.
  
Gentle on digestion 
It is a known fact that tea is gentler on the digestion than coffee. This is due to it embodying lower caffeine levels and being less acidic, while the increased acidic content in coffee, often two or three times the amount found in tea, has the potential to irritate the stomach lining. This makes it a beverage which is hard to stomach for those who have issues with sensitivity. Some herbal tea varieties also embody soothing properties like ginger and peppermint that can alleviate discomfort. 
Tea also contains L-theanine. This is a form of amino acid that promotes relaxation without drowsiness and helps you focus or concentrate on matters at hand. This is why it is said that a warm cup of tea is a great energy booster when your spirits are low.