Discerning Between Nuwara Eliya and Uda Pusselawa Tea
At the top of Sri Lanka, high-grown red teas are made in the districts of Nuwara Eliya and it’s neighbor Uda Pusselawa.
I’m not familiar with Ceylon teas from these two regions, and so as I find myself in possession of this Ceylon tea which hails from either one or the other, I’m having a difficult time really deciding which district it comes from.
Descriptions explain that Uda Pusselawa are often comparable to teas from Nuwara Eliya, but tend to be darker, bolder, and perhaps tangy. Teas from Nuwara Eliya are supposed to have a delicate yet fragrant smell.
Having no other high-grown Ceylon tea to compare this to, I have now come to a dead end online and so am relying on the experience of others with Nuwara-tea and Pusselawa-tea to finally clear up, which is it?
The tea is very light, smelling of honey and sometimes maple, with a bright “coppery” color, but I might also say a golden hue. There is a subtle, subtle hint of spice, or pepperyness, and sometimes a lingering note of maple. There is a noticeable puckering taste that I can only describe as tangy.
I’m just not sure which of the two districts this tea comes from. Any experience would be very helpful.
Tangyness leads me to think it could be from Uda, but the bright color and aroma tells me it comes from Nuwara Eliya. Comparing the color to Yunnan red tea, the latter tea is much more coppery in color, than the Ceylon.
*Huh, sorry if this posts, twice. I swear I clicked ‘Post Reply’
I’d agree with your observations. Nuwara Eliya usually taste lighter and more floral to me, while Uda Pusselawa are a little heavier with more tropical fruit notes. Though this is not just dependent upon location and altitude but also pretty heavy on management practices on each estate!
I know the Amba Tea Estate is considered to be high altitude, but has 3 acres located lower down the mountain, as well as suffers from soil issues (from previous years).
If you’d like another tea to compare I’d be happy to send you a sample of the best Uva region I’ve tried. [email protected]
I don’t sell either a Nuwara Eliya or Uda Pusselawa, but I’d strongly recommend contacting Rebecca from the Monsoon Mountains Tea Company. www.teahills.co.uk
She doesn’t sell directly from her website, but she processes orders by email. She will be more than happy to recommend some of her favorite estates!
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