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Ceylon Low-Grown

Low-grown Ceylon, Galle and Matara tea

7.3/10 editor's score

Black tea from the low-elevation districts of southern Sri Lanka, such as Matara, Galle and Ratnapura. Sources say high rainfall and warm temperatures give tea with high astringency.

CeylonStrongSri Lanka
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this teaCompare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dry leaf of Ceylon Low-Grown, top-down

What you need

2.5 g leafCeylon Low-Grown
250 ml water100°C
Steep 3:002 steeps
LiquorDark red-amber
Served inTeapot and cup

At a glance

Black tea from the low-elevation districts of southern Sri Lanka, such as Matara, Galle and Ratnapura.

CaffeineMedium~35 to 55 mg, our estimate
MilkTakes milk well.
Beginner fit8.0 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestAll yearPicked all year.
Pairs withBreakfast, Milk tea, Fruit cakeLess good with delicate fish
Grown atLow elevationGalle and Matara, Southern Sri Lanka
Served inTeapot and cupA general choice

About Ceylon Low-Grown

What sources say about the taste

Sources say low-grown tea from Matara, Galle and Ratnapura shows high astringency 1.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it grows

Galle and MataraSouthern Sri LankaSRI LANKA
Districts
Matara, Galle, Ratnapura 1
Climate
High rainfall, warm temperatures 1
Cup
High astringency 1
Growth
Higher biomass at low elevation 1

More from Galle and Matara and Sri Lanka.

History and culture

Sri Lanka's tea industry grew fast after coffee rust destroyed the coffee plantations from 1869 1.

White tea is now also made in Galle 2.

Editor's score

7.3/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the tea style, not a brand. How we score →

1086Flavour & complexity: 6.0Origin & heritage: 7.0Availability: 8.0Value: 8.5Beginner-friendliness: 8.0Versatility: 8.0Flavour 6.0Heritage 7.0Availability 8.0Value 8.5Beginners 8.0Versatility 8.0
Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg
Black tea (average)~47 mg
Ceylon Low-Grown~35 to 55 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg

Our estimate. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo ClinicC.

Harvest calendar

Our general guide for the Sri Lankan lowlands. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

Camellia sinensis grown at low elevation 1.

How it is made
02Withering

Softened.

03Rolling

Orthodox rolling.

04Oxidation

Full.

05Drying

Dried and sorted.

Dry leaf and liquor
Dry leafDark, often broken leaf.
LiquorDark red-amber.
After steeping
Wet leafDark brown leaf.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Breakfast
  • Milk tea
  • Fruit cake

Best avoided

  • Delicate fish

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

  • Airtight, opaque tin or pouch, away from light, heat, moisture and strong smells.
  • Keep it out of the fridge unless fully sealed, to avoid condensation.
  • Most loose tea is at its best within a year. Note the harvest date on the tin.
Grades and fakes

Ceylon uses the orthodox leaf grades: OP (long leaf), BOP and BOPF (broken), and Pekoe. Grades describe leaf size, not quality 2.

Teas are sold mainly through the Colombo auction.

How to spot a poor or fake one

  1. Look for the Lion logo of the Sri Lanka Tea Board on packs made of 100% Ceylon tea.
  2. A named district or estate is more useful than just "Ceylon".
  3. Check the season: each district has a quality season.
FAQ
What does low-grown mean?

Tea grown at low elevation, such as in Matara, Galle and Ratnapura 1.

Find it inBlack teasTeas from Sri LankaGalle and MataraCeylonStrongSri Lanka

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Tea production in Sri Lanka". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_production_in_Sri_Lanka
  2. Wikipedia, "White tea". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_tea
  3. Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.