Tea Inspired

The MJF Centre in Moratuwa was aglow again last night. This time with the determined optimism of 80 micro-entrepreneurs striving to better their lives. Undeterred by the light rainfall, over…

In the last days of July 2022, a superlative fine Ceylon pekoe tea was crafted in very limited quantity of less than 1 kg., on Craighead Estate. It was intended…

Loose leaf tea is a luxury in more ways than one. It encourages proper brewing, and the enjoyment of fine tea. This is more important than ever today as the serenity in a cuppa begins with brewing, continues through its appearance and expression of the influence of nature.

With or without milk, fine tea is a luxury that only demands a little respect. Fine tea is the ultimate taste adventure – infinite in its nature induced variety, a natural and inspiring herb that is imbued with natural antioxidant goodness and taste. That’s just one part of the story though for good tea requires good brewing. Whether with or without milk, tea can only delight when brewed properly. It’s not hard, but it is rewarding, and at a time that stress and chronic illness are increasing, we have never needed the goodness in tea more than now. The jury is out on whether tea should be taken with or without milk and it’s mostly a question of taste, but that debate should not distract anyone from drinking tea.

A growing body of scientific evidence points to the human health benefits in tea. Yet tea growers who value quality suffer the consequences of discounting that drives them to compete with cheap, blends that are popular for the ability it gives brands to discount and lure consumers through price. That is harmful to an industry struggling to overcome an exploitative, colonial history and evolve into a sustainable, climate adapted, socially responsible tea industry.

Craftsmanship most often forms the heart of luxury, for whether an exceptional wine, a perfect violin, or the beauty in a work of art, it is the genius of the…