A tea lover who has a keen interest to know how one tea differs from the other or maybe, what factors make them similar? I am here with another comparison blog wherein, we will be getting to know all about Darjeeling tea versus Ceylon Tea via 23 comparable attributes.
I am a self-proclaimed Tea enthusiast and a passionate tea blogger. Tea has always wrapped me in its warmth & I fell in love with the beverage at quite an early age. So, here I am with yet another blog. Hope you shower it with love.
Darjeeling Tea Versus Ceylon Tea: 23 Comparable Attributes Worth Knowing
As a tea cafe owner, I am constantly experimenting with the leaves that make for an ideal drink. The leaves have always intrigued me and I love the varied aroma that I get from each variety. Now, with my blogs, I can create awareness around the tea leaves for I believe that it’s high we give them their credit. So, let us learn how Assam and Ceylon tea differs from the other in 23 aspects.
I have made a table so that it is easy to get an idea about what all we would be discussing.
| GROWING REGIONS | |
| Darjeeling Tea
Hilly region of West Bengal |
Ceylon Tea
Mountains of Sri Lanka |
| CAFFEINE | |
| Darjeeling Tea
14-70 mg per serving |
Ceylon Tea
14-61 mg per serving |
| POPULARITY REASONS | |
| Darjeeling Tea
Unique Taste Rich in antioxidants Varieties |
Ceylon Tea
The cleanest tea Taste Profile Variety |
| TEAS WITH SIMILAR PROFILES | |
| Darjeeling Tea
Earl Grey Fruit Teas |
Ceylon Tea
Twinings Assam Tea |
| ORTHODOX OR FIRST FLUSH | |
| Darjeeling Tea
Best First Flush Tea |
Ceylon Tea
First Flush Only |
| LOOSE TEA | |
| Darjeeling Tea
Yes |
Ceylon Tea
Yes |
| SOURCE | |
| Darjeeling Tea
Camellia Sinensis var.Darjeeling |
Ceylon Tea
Camellia Sinensis |
| HISTORY | |
| Darjeeling Tea
Some 150 years ago |
Ceylon Tea
Over 200 years ago |
| THE MORE EXPORTED TEA | |
| Darjeeling Tea
Ranks 4th |
Ceylon Tea
Believed to be exported more |
| CAN BE BLENDED WITH OTHER TEAS? | |
| Darjeeling Tea
No |
Ceylon Tea
Yes |
| BENEFITS | |
| Darjeeling Tea
Good for skin and oral health Aids weight loss Keeps you hydrated |
Ceylon Tea
Good for heart Controls blood sugar levels Aids weight loss |
| BREWING TIME | |
| Darjeeling Tea
3-5 minutes |
Ceylon Tea
3-5 minutes to boiling water |
| HARVESTING PROCESS | |
| Darjeeling Tea
March –June, and November |
Ceylon Tea
June-August and February to Mid-March |
| PRICE RANGE | |
| Darjeeling Tea
Varies but is considered the most expensive tea |
Ceylon Tea
Comparable to any other tea |
| BRANDS SOLD UNDER | |
| Darjeeling Tea
Castleton Seasons 3 in 1 Lipton |
Ceylon Tea
Dilmah premium Teakruthi Arouse |
| UNIQUE FLAVORS | |
| Darjeeling Tea
White Glenburn King |
Ceylon Tea
Orange Pekoe White |
| FAVORABLE CONDITIONS | |
| Darjeeling Tea
Adverse cimate |
Ceylon Tea
Hot and humid climate |
| IDENTIFICATION MARK | |
| Darjeeling Tea
Darjeeling Tea Logo |
Ceylon Tea
Tiger Logo |
| GRADES | |
| Darjeeling Tea
Whole leaf Broken |
Ceylon Tea
Orange Pekoe Fannings and Dust |
| OTHER NAMES | |
| Darjeeling Tea
Champagne of teas Fine wine of teas Terrace Tea CTC |
Ceylon Tea
Sri Lankan tea Silver Tipped tea |
| GLUTEN-FREE | |
| Darjeeling Tea
Yes |
Ceylon Tea
Yes |
| NUMBER OF TEA PLANTATIONS | |
| Darjeeling Tea
87 |
Ceylon Tea
Not known |
Now, that the table’s in place, let us take one feature at a time and look at it more closely.
1. The Growing Regions Of The Two Teas
Darjeeling and Ceylon tea are region-specific tea and have taken the name after the place they are grown in. Let us get to know the place more closely.
Darjeeling tea is grown in the hilly regions of Darjeeling and Kalimpong terrains of West Bengal, India.
Ceylon tea, as the name suggests, is grown in Sri Lanka(Ceylon was the former name when the country was a part of British colonization).
2. Comparing Darjeeling & Ceylon Tea For Their Caffeine Content
Caffeine is a stimulant that helps us to stay awake and is found in both tea and coffee. Now, when we compare the level in tea and coffee, the latter ie, coffee reigns supreme. Thus, it is important that we consider the level in Darjeeling and Ceylon tea respectively.
The caffeine level in a typical serving of Ceylon tea is approximately 50 mg per serve. This, when compared with Darjeeling tea, is quite less though is dependent on the tea leaves used.
3. Darjeeling Tea and Ceylon Tea: Comparing them on Their Popularity Reasons
The two tea in the talk are quite popular and I will tell you the reasons that have paved the way for their fame.
Darjeeling tea is known for its sweet and citrusy notes or at times can also be delicate with a delicate vegetal taste & which resembles wine. The cultivation method involved has earned it the name of “The Highest Elevated Tea Grown” and is the only tea in the world to get GI(Geographical Indication)tag.
Ceylon tea or Sri Lankan tea is often described as a tea with a strong, leafy note and the taste is dependent on the kind of leaves bought. Black teas are known for a strong taste whereas the white varieties have a sweet taste that resembles honey.
4. Can Assam and Sri Lankan Tea Be Served With Milk & Sugar?
Let us now compare them based on their ability to serve with milk and sugar.
Tea experts would tell you that the best way to enjoy a cup of Darjeeling tea would be without adding milk and sugar so you can enjoy its natural taste.
Ceylon tea on the other hand is best enjoyed with milk & sugar. Now, this is my kind of tea for I am a milk tea lovers and this fact makes me rejoice.
5. Checking Them Out For The Teas They Can Be Blended With Or With Similar Taste Profiles.
Darjeeling and Ceylon both have varieties of teas that they can be paired with. Let us get to know them.
The Champagne of Teas has a sweet taste and floral aroma and this attribute work best with Earl-Grey tea and any fruit teas. Now, if you are wondering why the tea will work well with Earl-Grey, do read my blog about Is Earl-Grey Tisane and discover all about the tea through 13 gripping points.
Ceylon tea is the cleanest tea and this makes it the preferred choice to blend well with any black tea like English Breakfast.
6. Getting To Know The Harvesting Cycle Of The Two Teas
Let us now get to know the flush that is akin to a great tea. If you are not familiar with what a flush is, then read my blog about 27 key aspects in Assam Tea versus Darjeeling tea(interlinking to be done).
Darjeeling tea is the best first tea that is available worldwide and this attribute has rightly earned it the name of “The Wine Of Teas”.
Ceylon tea is available majorly as a first flush tea and has been termed as” The Cleanest Tea Of The World”.
7. Darjeeling Tea versus Ceylon Tea: Comparing them on loose tea availability
Let us know if the two teas offer us the option of loose tea.
Darjeeling tea can be enjoyed as loose tea also and brands like Karma Kettle, Lipton, Society, Darjeeling Makaibari(tea estate and amongst the finest in India) are some big names that it boasts of.
Ceylon or Sri Lankan offers loose tea availability and names like Mahamosa Loinorn, Declanh, Dilmah are some trusted names.
8. Comparing Them on Their Source Derived From
Let us get to know the source the two teas are derived from.
Like any tea, Darjeeling tea is a product of the Camellia Sinensis plant that is grown in either Darjeeling or Kalimpong districts of West Bengal, India.
Ceylon tea is sourced from the same plant, Camellia Sinensis that grows in the highlands of Sri Lanka.
9. The Fascinating History Of Our Two Beloved Teas: Darjeeling and Ceylon
Darjeeling and Ceylon tea like any tea have a very interesting and rich history that is waiting to be heard. Let us then get to know their side of the story and put this as another basis of comparison.
Ceylon tea’s history can be traced to some 200 years ago when James Taylor, a Scottish man, had settled in Sri Lanka in the year1852. Then in the year 1866, he came to India to learn about the flourishing tea business. He took back his learnings only to start the Ceylon Tea business in the subsequent year, 1867
Now, wasn’t that fascinating enough? As a tea sommelier, it sure is for me.
10. Darjeeling Tea versus Sri Lankan Tea: The More Exported Tea
Let us now compare them on the basis of the tea that is more exported along with the reason that has paved the way.
Darjeeling tea in spite of being known to be amongst the finest tea of the world and ranks second after Assam tea(in India) sadly ranks 4th when we talk about export. The only reason that is lacking is the role of government as Indian tea estates aren’t backed up by their government or any public entities.
On the other hand, Sri Lankan or Ceylon tea is completely backed by the government and a major business in the country. This has paved the way for the tea to be exported more as compared to its Indian counterparts.
11. Darjeeling Tea and Sri Lankan tea: Knowing Them For Their Ability To Blend With Other Teas
A tea is credited by its ability to blend with other tea and this makes it an important comparable attribute when we talk about how the two tea differs.
Let us take the ability of Darjeeling tea to blend with other teas. Well, it is only befitting to say that this is one tea that is advised against blending with other teas as when drunk individually it tastes much better.
Ceylon tea on the other hand can be blended with other teas like any floral tea and works best when paired with Indian spiced tea.
12. The Benefits Offered By the Two Teas As an Important Contrasting Point Worth A Mention
Let us now consider the benefits that the teas are known for.
Darjeeling tea apart from being rich in antioxidants offers tons of benefits like being beneficial for the skin and boosting oral health by curbing bad breath and whitening teeth. It also helps boost immunity, aids in weight loss & increases heart health.
Ceylon Tea too apart from being blessed with antioxidants boosts benefits like aids in weight loss, boots heart health but, its ability to control blood sugar levels makes a diabetic like me a go-to option.
13. Comparing The Two Teas On The Brewing Method
Brewing is an important part that goes a long way into making the perfect cup. Let us take this factor into account that will act as a bridge of comparison.
Darjeeling tea called “The Wine of Teas” has a brewing time of 3-5 minutes. Just add 1 even teaspoon of the leaves to water and let it infuse with the changing degree of water. Take off heat once you are happy with the color of the liquid.
Ceylon tea known as “ The Cleanest tea” too has a brewing time that one needs to be mindful of. Take a teaspoon of the tea leaves and add it to boiling water(not a minute before and not a second after). Now add milk and sugar stirring it well.
14. Darjeeling Tea and Sri Lankan Tea: The Harvesting Method
Let us get to know yet another contrasting feature of the two teas. Yes, the harvesting method.
Darjeeling tea is often harvested 4 times a year. The late summers(March and June months), fall, and even winter months are called the harvesting months.
Ceylon tea, the only tea to be hand-picked(machines are not used to harvest) by women at large, often begins from late June and lasts till August in the eastern area and from the beginning of February to Mid March in the western areas.
15. The Contrasting Prices of Darjeeling & Ceylon Teas
By now you must have got a good idea about some points that can be used to compare the two teas. Well, we shall now see how they fare in terms of prices.
Darjeeling tea is often bought at various auctions with a starting price of Rs. 700/- per kilogram. The more exquisite varieties are enough to burn a hole in your pocket.
Ceylon tea isn’t far behind and can range from being nominally priced to ranging in USD 1,000.
16. Brands That Darjeeling Tea & Ceylon Tea Is Sold Under is Another Deciding Factor
Let us get familiar with some brands that over a period of time have become synonymous with the two tea and have earned people’s trust.
Darjeeling tea is sold under credible brands like Castleton Vintage Darjeeling Tea(250 grams), Seasons 3-in-1(150 grams)packs respectively, Lipton(500 grams and 1 kilogram).
When Ceylon tea is on your mind, lay your trust in brands like Dimah Premium, Teakruthi, Niko Ahmad, Arouse.
17. Darjeeling Tea Versus Ceylon Tea: Checking them for Some Unique Varieties Offered
Every tea variety has some surprises up its sleeves and some uncalled options that are unique and not consumed every day. Let us get to know such amazing options that both the tea offer.
Darjeeling tea has the rare White Tea, Glenburn King(Vahdam India Teas), Rohini ‘Jethi Kupi’ Pekoe Tea(known as a first flush tea) amongst some names.
Sri Lankan tea has names like Orange Pekoe, White tea varieties to its credits and it wouldn’t be wrong to say that the orange pekoe is the most sought-after variety.
18. The Contrasting Conditions Favorable For The Two Teas
Teas need certain conditions for an ideal harvest which vary from one tea to the other. This is a very important feature that plays a pivotal role in comparing one variety to the other.
Darjeeling tea grown in either Kalimpong or Darjeeling districts of West Bengal needs a temperature between 18-30 degrees with heavy rainfall and a climate that is frequented by frost.
Ceylon tea in order to yield a perfect crop thrives best in hot and humid climates. Sri Lanka is a country that is not only hot but humid too for prolonged times of the year and thus, is ideal for tea cultivation.
19. Differentiating The Method Of Identification Of Darjeeling and Ceylon Tea
Off lately, a lot of fake teas have been doing the rounds and thus, the government decided to take matters in their hands. The solution came in the form of an identification mark and I will tell you how to check for the authentication.
Darjeeling tea can be checked for its authenticity by the stand-out “Darjeeling Tea” logo or mark as a government mandate.
Ceylon tea has a “Tiger logo”, as appears on its flag and which is used by tea experts to differentiate between the fake and real.
20. Darjeeling Tea Versus Ceylon Tea: Attributing The Grades
Let us now compare the two teas based on the grades(tea leaves size and type) that set them apart.
Darjeeling tea is available in grades like Whole Leaf, Broken Leaf, Fannings and Dust, Pekoe as some classifications.
Ceylon tea is available in Orange Pekoe(OP), Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe(FBOP), Broken Orange Pekoe(BOP) as some classifications.
21. Darjeeling Tea Versus Ceylon Tea: Getting to Know The Other Names They Are Called By
I am sure by now you have good information and will be able to say how the two tea differs. Now, if you want to know how Darjeeling tea compared with other teas head to my website and get your daily tea dose.
Terrace Garden tea, Terrace tea, Garden Tea, elevated Tea, Wine of Teas are some names that have been given to Darjeeling Tea.
Ceylon tea on the other hand is known as the cleanest tea, Sri Lankan tea amongst a few names.
22. Knowing The Gluten-Free Nature Of The Two Teas
Let us compare the two teas based on their gluten-free aspect.
Darjeeling tea is known for its gluten-free nature and as a result, can be enjoyed by all sectors.
Ceylon tea too is known to be gluten-free, so you can enjoy it without having to worry about gluten.
23. Tea Plantations That The Two Teas Boost of As a Final Yet Important Comparison
Let us now get to know the tea plantations that the teas are spread across.
Darjeeling tea, the second most grown tea in India, has 80-87 tea gardens or tea plantations spread in Kalimpong and Darjeeling regions of West Bengal respectively.
Talking about Ceylon tea estates, there is much speculation, and though the exact number isn’t known some say the count is roughly 996. If this is true the number is quite humbling.
This concludes my blog but before I end, let me tell you that the options don’t end here and just like the beverage a lot is still undiscovered. Well, I will unveil all the secrets with the only medium I know and that is my blogs. So, all you have to do is keep checking my website and head to the blogs tab.
Happy Sipping!
Hi. I’m Sneha. Each day, I brew, relish, study and sell tea in my Cafe based out of Kolkata, India. My current blog, ‘Sipper Sneha’ is an expansion of my real life love for tea into an online space for all dedicated Tea enthusiasts.