Organic Ceylon (Pekoe)

Description

Koslande is one of the estates that we use in this Ceylon organic tea. In Sri Lanka terms it is a medium sized tea estate covering 160 hectares (406 acres). It is situated in the Haputale Mountain Range in the region of Uva. Uva and Nuwara Eliya are Sri Lanka's highest elevation tea growing regions and are world renown for some of the finest teas in the world - especially when they are at their seasonal best (in Koslande's case this is August).

The total annual crop (all leaf grades) is only 100 Tonnes of tea (this is enough to make about 4,000,000 cups of tea). Following are some statistics about the estate:

Number of Workers: 574 Number of Tea Bushes: 1, 568,506
Estate Mgr: Niran Illankone Average Age of Bushes: 75% are older than 75 years
(Mr Illankone is married with 2 children and his eldest son attends school in a town called Bandarawela)

The estate is covered by 3 different organic certifying bodies - IMO of Switzerland, Organic Farmers and Growers of the UK and Nat. Assoc. of Sustainable Agriculture of Australia.

In addition to being organic certified, Koslande is also a member of the Fair Trade Organization and has been a member since 1996. As of 2004 the Fair Trade organization has re-invested USD $15,500.00 into projects that directly benefit the workers. Some of the initiatives are: Providing 20 Propane stoves and 20 sewing machines to workers. The propane stoves had an immediate benefit to the 20 families which received these 'cookers' in that they did not have to go out and search for firewood. The sewing machines were part of a program to encourage the workers to earn additional income. During August of 2004 another 60 sewing machines are to be distributed to another 60 workers. Other projects that are being planned: New Latrines for 85 families, new roofs for 42 workers homes and upgrading two day care centers.

Steeping Instructions

PRODUCT TYPE: Loose - Black Tea

IDEAL BREWING TEMPERATURE: 100ºC/212ºF

ANTIOXIDANT BENEFIT: For a greater antioxidant benefit brew longer and use more tea.

FOOD SAFETY ADVISORY: We strongly recommend using filtered or freshly drawn cold water brought to a rolling boil when brewing all types of tea. Today's water has been known to carry viruses, parasites and bacteria. Boiling the water will kill these elements and reduce the potential incidence of water-borne illnesses.

Epic Iced Tea Instructions

Tea isn't just served hot!  Iced tea is one of the most refreshing and natural thirst quenchers around the world.  Here is our suggested method of brewing the best iced tea.

ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Pitcher): (To Make 1 Liter/Quart):

1. Place 6 slightly heaping teaspoons of loose tea or 6 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the tea.
3. Steep for 5 minutes.
4. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water.
5. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea or removing the bags.
6. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
7. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase
8. the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.

Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.

ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Individual Serving):

1. Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea or 1 tea bag into a teapot for each serving required.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the tea.
3. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes.
4. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea or removing the bags.
5. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving.
6. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted.

Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.

HERB & FRUIT ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Pitcher): (To Make 1 Liter/Quart):

1. Place 12 slightly heaping teaspoons of herb & fruit blend or 6 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the herb & fruit blend.
3. Steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water.
5. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea or removing the tea bags.
6. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
7. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced herb & fruit tea is to increase the strength of hot brew since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.

HERB & FRUIT ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Individual Serving):

1. Place 2 slightly heaping teaspoons of herb & fruit blend or 1 tea bag into a teapot for each serving required.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the herb & fruit blend.
3. Cover and let steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea or removing the bags.
5. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
6. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed herb & fruit tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted.