Tea tasting is an art form where the palate of the tea taster becomes akin to the nose of a fragrance expert in the perfume industry. Surprisingly, much of what we perceive as taste relies heavily on our sense of smell, emanating from the back of the throat to the top of the nose.
Our taste buds, limited to detecting five primary tastes – sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami – offer only a fraction of the sensory experience. The rest, including floral, woody, vanilla, spicy, marine, and fruity notes, are deciphered through our olfactory senses.
In tea tasting, professionals engage not just their sense of taste but a symphony of senses. They rely on sight to observe the tea’s appearance, touch to feel its texture, smell to discern its aroma, and taste to evaluate its flavour profile. It’s a holistic sensory journey that elevates tea tasting into a multifaceted experience.
Fascinatingly, only the tender top leaves, typically two or three leaves and a bud, are harvested for black tea owing to their superior quality and freshness. Pluckers dedicate eight hours to harvest a mere 20 kg of leaves, with an eight-day interval before returning to the same spot for subsequent plucking.
With approximately 1000 pluckers, most women, the plantation churns out a remarkable 2,000kg of tea daily, ensuring a steady supply year-round. The factory tour provides a comprehensive overview of the tea-making process, from plucking to withering, rolling, fermentation, firing, and sorting/grading.
Following the immersive tea factory tour and delectable tasting session, venture across the estate to explore the sprawling plantations. Get close to the tea leaves, interact with the diligent workers, and marvel at their swift and meticulous plucking techniques. It’s a captivating journey through the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea culture, offering a glimpse into centuries-old traditions and unparalleled craftsmanship.”
Location: About 16 km from Nuwara Eliya along the Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Highway.
Pedro Tea Estate holds significance beyond its historical value. It serves as a living, breathing symbol of Sri Lankan identity, both culturally and economically. Culturally, it represents the island’s colonial past and a historical reminder of the shift from coffee to tea production, which forever altered the nation’s agricultural landscape. Economically, it’s a major contributor to the local and national economy, being a significant exporter of the famed Ceylon tea. The unique flavour profile of the tea, attributed to the high altitude, crisp climate, and rich soil, makes the estate a must-visit for anyone seeking to understand the true essence of Sri Lankan tea.
A visit to Pedro Tea Estate wouldn’t be complete without a factory tour. Step back in time and witness the entire tea production process, from withering and rolling to fermenting, drying, sorting, and packing. The intoxicating aroma of fresh tea leaves fills the air, offering a unique sensory experience.
For the adventurous traveller, a short hike leads to the Lover’s Leap waterfall, which offers added enchantment during the visit. The path provides breathtaking views of the tea country and a chance to spot endemic bird species. Reaching the falls, you might have encountered a secret sanctuary known only to the native birds and mountain streams.
No visit to a tea estate is complete without sampling the product itself! The estate’s tea centre offers a variety of teas for you to taste. Learn to distinguish the subtle nuances in flavour that make each variety unique.Be sure to try a cup of their signature “Lover’s Leap” tea, named after the nearby waterfall, for an evocative and flavorful experience.
Stroll through the sprawling tea fields and witness the diligent pluckers fill their baskets, meticulously selecting the two leaves and a bud for your perfect cup. Feel free to chat with them; they might share stories and insights you won’t find in any guidebook. And, of course, remember to pick up a packet of tea from the estate shop to bring a piece of this rich experience home with you.
Pedro Tea Estate is an enchanting destination that blends stunning natural beauty with significant cultural heritage. Its experience will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the artistry and tradition behind every cup of Sri Lankan tea.
Location: About 3 km from the centre of Nuwara Eliya.
Venture 7km along winding hillside roads from the factory, and you’ll discover Lipton’s Seat, a breathtaking viewpoint named after the estate’s illustrious owner. Sir Thomas Lipton often brought visitors here to showcase the majesty of his plantation against the backdrop of panoramic vistas. Embark on a two-hour hike to the summit or opt for shortcuts nestled among tea bushes to expedite your ascent. As you ascend, the scenery unfolds, culminating in a 360-degree panorama stretching to the distant coastline on clear days. To avoid misty afternoons, aim for an early morning arrival. For those preferring a more leisurely journey, tuk-tuks offer a convenient ride to Lipton’s Seat, allowing for a scenic stroll back to Dambatenne.
Location: About 52 km from Nuwara Eliya via Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Hwy and Keppetipola – Boralanda – Haputale Rd.
The Blue Field Tea Factory offers more than just a glimpse into production. The on-site restaurant provides a welcome respite for travellers journeying between Nuwara Eliya and Kandy. Additionally, visitors are free to explore the surrounding terraces, witnessing firsthand the skilled tea pluckers at work amidst the breathtaking mountain scenery.
Where: 20 km north of Nuwara Eliya on the road to Kandy,
When: Daily 8 am – 6.30 pm; Tours are free. Please note: Tea processing is not conducted on Sundays.