As plantações de chá do Sri Lanka, localizadas principalmente nas terras altas centrais, são famosas por produzir alguns dos melhores chás do mundo. Essas plantações exuberantes, como as de Kandy, Nuwara Eliya e Hatton, oferecem paisagens cênicas e uma rica história. As plantações contribuem significativamente para a economia do país, exportando chá do Ceilão de alta qualidade para todo o mundo.
A bebida na sua xícara tem uma história para contar. Ela fala de colinas ondulantes, sol abundante e províncias verdejantes. No Sri Lanka, as províncias do centro e do sul produzem a maior parte do chá. Altitudes e microclimas variados influenciam o sabor, a cor, o aroma e a sazonalidade característicos do chá do Ceilão.
O chá do Ceilão, como sabemos hoje, vem em diferentes variedades, com sabores e aromas únicos. Além da variedade de chás, existem variedades de graus em que o chá do Ceilão foi separado.
Pettiagalla Tea Estate, nestled in the Balangoda region of Sri Lanka's Ratnapura District, stands as a testament to the island's rich tea heritage.Established in 1880, this estate is perched at elevations ranging from approximately 1,670 to 3,600 feet above sea level, benefiting from the unique microclimate of the Dimbula region.The name "Pettiagalla" translates to "box-shaped rock" in Sinhala, a nod to the prominent rock formation that marks the estate's entrance.
The estate's high-altitude location, near landmarks like Horton Plains and Adam's Peak, provides ideal conditions for cultivating premium teas.These conditions contribute to the distinctive flavor profiles of Pettiagalla's teas, which are celebrated for their bright, crisp character and subtle floral notes.The estate produces a variety of orthodox teas, including the renowned Orange Pekoe (OP) grade, characterized by long, wiry leaves that brew into a smooth, aromatic cup with hints of malt and a slightly spicy undertone.
Pettiagalla's commitment to quality has not gone unnoticed in the global tea market.In March 2022, the estate achieved a record price of Rs. 1,180 per kilogram for its FBOPF1 grade tea at the Colombo Tea Auction, underscoring its reputation for excellence . This recognition reflects the estate's dedication to producing teas that meet the highest standards of flavor and consistency.
Today, Pettiagalla Tea Estate continues to be a beacon of Sri Lanka's tea industry, offering teas that are both a delight to the palate and a reflection of the island's rich agricultural traditions.Whether enjoyed plain or with a slice of lemon, Pettiagalla teas provide a refreshing experience that resonates with tea enthusiasts around the world.
