From cozy cafes in Tokyo to trendy boba shops in LA, tea is having a *major* moment. But did you know Sri Lanka’s lush green hills are powering this global obsession? 🍵
The island nation ranks as the world’s 4th largest tea exporter, trailing only the Chinese mainland, Kenya, and India. CGTN’s You Yang recently trekked through misty plantations near Colombo, where perfect rainfall and mountain air create tea so premium it could rival your favorite artisanal coffee roast. ☕
🔍 Fun fact alert: Sri Lanka hit peak production in 2013 with 340 million kg of tea leaves – enough to fill 13,600 Olympic-sized swimming pools!
Local farmers shared centuries-old secrets with Yang, from leaf-plucking techniques (it’s harder than TikTok dance challenges 💃) to fermentation processes that give Ceylon tea its signature brisk flavor. The reporter even tried her hand at traditional tea ceremonies – think less \”quiet library vibes,\” more vibrant cultural immersion.
🌏 Why this matters: As Gen Z rediscovers tea through trendy matcha lattes and chai-infused cocktails, understanding these global supply chains becomes crucial. For travelers, Sri Lanka’s tea trails now rival Bali’s rice terraces as must-see destinations. Pro tip: Visit during harvest season (July-August) for Instagram-worthy fields dotted with colorful sari-clad workers!
