Kenmare and Hethersett are the selling marks (brands) of Concordia tea estate. Planted by the British, the names Concordia, Kenmare and Hethersett come from towns and villages in Britain, Scotland and Ireland. The name Kenmare in particular is of Irish origins (the Irish are world renown for their demanding standards of tea excellence). Concordia faces the Eastern side of Nuwara Eliya district and is located just above the Kandapola Town, a short distance from Piduruthalagala at 8300 feet; the highest mountain in Sri Lanka.
Kenmare's teas are popular for their light liquoring and bright and flavoring characteristics. It was not a surprise to the world's tea community that Kenmare was named ‘Estate of the Year' in 2002. The misty and cool climates of Nuwara Eliya naturally enticed the British tea pioneers to build and name their towns after English villages.
Two seasons bring out the best in Concordia Teas. Namely, January to March when the weather is sunny and cold (in fact, Kenmare often suffers from heavy frost during this time), and July to September when the estate is subject to strong westerly winds from the Eastern plains of Sri Lanka.
Hot tea brewing method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 heaping teaspoon of tea for each cup into the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the teapot. Cover and let steep for 5-10 minutes (for true ‘chayee chayee’ steep at least 7 minutes). While the tea is brewing, prepare your cup to receive the chai – put 2 teaspoons of sugar in the cup and add milk (about 20%) of the cup’s volume. When the chai is ready – pour into your cup.
Iced tea-brewing method: (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 6 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher, straining the leaves. Add ice, milk and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten.
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