Milk First or Tea First? The Great Debate
Few kitchen questions have started as many friendly arguments. Here's the real history behind both camps, what recent research actually says about…
The journal
Journal
Brewing guides, stories from the estates and recipes from the Sri Lankan kitchen.
Cardamom Milk Tea for Rainy Afternoons
Fragrant, creamy and comforting — a spiced cup that turns a grey day golden.
Monsoons and Seasons: Why Ceylon Tea Changes Through the Year
Two monsoons shape Sri Lanka’s tea — and give each region its finest season.
A Short History of the Colombo Tea Auction
Since 1883, much of Sri Lanka’s tea has been bought and sold at the Colombo auction.
Loose Leaf vs Tea Bags: What Changes in the Cup
Tea bags and loose leaf can come from the very same bushes, yet taste quite different in the cup. Here's the real…
Visiting the Ceylon Tea Museum in Hantane, Kandy
Old machines, planters’ stories and a view over the hills — a morning out near Kandy.
Smallholders: The Quiet Backbone of Sri Lankan Tea
Much of the island’s tea is grown on small family plots. Here is why they matter.
Ceylon Became Sri Lanka — Why the Tea Kept Its Name
In 1972 the island took a new name. Its most famous export did not.
How to Store Tea So It Stays Fresh
Air, light, heat, moisture and strong smells are the five enemies of good tea. Here's the science behind each one, how fast…