_ EUROPE
Türkiye
Turkish Black Tea (Rize Tea)
- Region: Rize, in the northeastern Black Sea region, is the heart of tea production in Turkey.
- Flavor: Turkish black tea is known for its bold, rich, and smooth flavor. It has a slightly astringent yet mellow taste, with a deep, earthy undertone. The flavor can range from strong and brisk to mild, depending on how it is brewed and consumed.
- Appearance: Dark, reddish-amber liquor. The color is strong and deep, which reflects the intensity of the flavor.
Preparation Method
Double Teapot Brewing: Turkish tea is typically brewed using a special double teapot (called çaydanlık). The tea is steeped in the upper teapot with a small amount of water to create a concentrated tea infusion, while water is boiled in the lower teapot. The concentrated tea is then mixed with hot water from the lower pot to achieve the desired strength, with the drinker choosing between a strong ("koyu") or light ("açık") brew.
Flavor Control: This method allows for control over the strength of the tea, giving it either a full-bodied, robust flavor or a lighter, milder taste depending on personal preference.
Flavor Impact: Turkish black tea generally has lower tannin levels compared to some other strong black teas (such as Assam or Ceylon). This means it is less bitter and astringent, even when brewed strong. The lower tannin content allows the tea to be drunk in large quantities without becoming too overwhelming.
Best For: Its smooth and mellow character makes it ideal for drinking throughout the day, especially during social gatherings, where people may consume multiple cups.
Caffeine Content: Turkish tea has a moderate caffeine content, which makes it stimulating but not overly strong compared to other black teas. This moderate caffeine level means it can be enjoyed throughout the day without causing jitteriness.
Best For: A popular drink in Turkish households and cafés, Turkish tea is often consumed in social settings, with people gathering for tea breaks at any time of the day.
High-Grown Ceylon Tea
- Regions: Nuwara Eliya, Dimbula, Uva (elevations over 4,000 feet).
- Flavor: High-grown Ceylon teas are delicate and light, with floral or grassy notes and a hint of citrus. Nuwara Eliya teas, in particular, are known for their elegant, fragrant flavors with a subtle sweetness.
- Appearance: Pale gold or light amber liquor with a smooth, clean finish.
Mid-Grown Ceylon Tea
- Regions: Kandy, Matale (elevations between 2,000 and 4,000 feet).
- Flavor: Mid-grown teas have a more balanced flavor, with slightly stronger and more robust characteristics than high-grown teas. They can have hints of spice and are smooth without being overly strong.
- Appearance: Medium amber-colored liquor with a well-rounded mouthfeel.
Low-Grown Ceylon Tea
- Regions: Ruhuna, Sabaragamuwa (elevations below 2,000 feet).
- Flavor: Low-grown Ceylon teas are full-bodied and strong, with a malty, slightly sweet flavor. They are generally less astringent and have earthy or caramel-like notes. These teas are bold and stand up well to milk and sugar.
- Appearance: Deep amber or dark reddish-brown liquor.
Ceylon Green Tea
- Regions: Primarily produced in Uva and other high-elevation areas.
- Flavor: Sri Lankan green tea has a fresh, light flavor with vegetal, grassy notes and a hint of sweetness. It is smoother and less astringent than some other green teas, making it more approachable for those new to green tea.
- Appearance: Light yellow or greenish liquor with a delicate, refreshing taste.
Ceylon White Tea
- Region: Grown primarily in the Nuwara Eliya and Galle regions.
- Flavor: Known for its subtle, delicate flavor with a floral, honey-like sweetness. Ceylon white tea is light and airy, with a smooth, mellow profile. It is one of the most prized and rare varieties of tea from Sri Lanka.
- Appearance: Pale, almost colorless liquor with a golden hue.
Ceylon Oolong Tea
- Regions: Grown in select areas of Sri Lanka.
- Flavor: Ceylon oolong has a complex flavor, with characteristics that fall between black and green tea. It has a slightly floral, fruity, and sometimes nutty taste with a smooth finish.
- Appearance: Amber or golden-yellow liquor, depending on the level of oxidation.
Herbal Teas (Tisanes)
- Flavors: Sri Lanka is also known for producing a variety of herbal teas, including lemongrass, cinnamon, mint, and hibiscus. These teas are caffeine-free and valued for their calming or therapeutic properties.
- Best For: Herbal infusions are popular for health benefits and relaxation.