For centuries, green tea has been cherished for its delicate flavours and health benefits. But now, a quiet revolution is brewing—literally. Across Japan, China, and even in tech-forward Western startups, tea enthusiasts and scientists are rediscovering an ancient technique with a modern twist: steam brewing. Unlike traditional boiling, which can scorch leaves and destroy nutrients, steam extraction gently coaxes out the tea’s essence, preserving its antioxidants, amino acids, and subtle aromas.

Could this be the future of tea? From home gardeners experimenting with DIY steamers to high-end machines mimicking espresso precision, steam-brewed green tea is making waves. And with growing interest in wellness, sustainability, and artisanal food culture, this method might just be the next big thing in beverages.

The Science Behind Steam Brewing: Why It Works

Green tea is rich in L-theanine (a calming amino acid), catechins (potent antioxidants), and chlorophyll (which gives it a vibrant color). However, boiling water can degrade these compounds, leading to bitterness and lost benefits.

Steam, on the other hand:
✔ Preserves delicate flavours – Lower temperatures (70–85°C) prevent overcooking. Although the temperature of steam is 100^oC, it drops down to 70-85^oC when it interacts with tea leaves.
✔ Enhances nutrient retention – More L-theanine and EGCG (a powerful antioxidant) remain intact.
✔ Reduces bitterness – By avoiding harsh extraction, the tea stays smooth and sweet.

Studies in Japan have shown that steamed green tea (like Sencha) retains up to 30% more antioxidants than boiled versions. This makes it not just tastier, but also better for immunity, metabolism, and mental clarity.

From Farm to Cup: How Different Cultures Are Embracing Steam Brewing

1. Japan: The Masters of Steam

Japan has used steam for centuries in Sencha and Matcha production. Today, companies like Tiger Corporation and Panasonic sell home steam brewers, while Kyoto’s elite tea houses serve steam-infused Gyokuro—a luxury variety with unmatched umami depth.

2. China: Artisanal Steam Fixation

While most Chinese green teas are pan-fired, Enshi Yulu from Hubei province still relies on light steaming, giving it a uniquely fresh, grassy taste. Small farmers are reviving this method, catering to premium markets.

3. The West: Tech Meets Tradition

In the U.S., startups like Teforia (now defunct) and Bkon experimented with steam-vacuum brewing, while coffee shops modify Yama cold brew towers for iced steam tea. The demand for specialty tea is growing, and steam extraction could be the next trend.

Can You Steam-Brew at Home? Absolutely!

You don’t need fancy machines to try steam brewing. Here’s how:

For an extra health boost, add ginger, cinnamon, or mint—these pair perfectly with steamed green tea’s natural sweetness.

The Future of Tea: Where Do We Go From Here?

Steam brewing isn’t just a novelty—it’s a return to smarter, gentler tea preparation. As consumers seek healthier, more sustainable beverages, this method offers:

The way forward?

🔹 Tea companies should invest in affordable home steam brewers.
🔹 Researchers should study steam’s impact on different tea varieties.
🔹 Consumers can experiment with DIY steaming for fresher, tastier tea.

One thing is clear: The future of tea is steaming ahead—literally. Will you take the plunge?

The writer is a Senior Research Professor at National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Kandy, and a tea researcher interested in improving tea quality using microbial biotechnologies.

by Gamini Seneviratne

– NIFS -Kandy
Introduction: The Ancient
Brew Meets Modern Science

An appreciation

So said my son-in-law Captain Suraj Weerasekera on the day that his father died, three years ago, when I condoled with him on that sad occasion.

I first met Suraj when he came to see me in my official residence in Kotahena when he was a student in a senior form at Nalanda College, My daughter Samanmalee, who is a Visakian asked me whether a son of a Brigadier named Ananda Weerasekera, training in Athletics with her at the Independence Square Grounds could visit us. She represented the national team here and abroad. I consulted my wife who readily agreed, indicating that she had been aware of an affair between Samanmalee and Suraj , going beyond the realms of the training grounds. A few days later a handsome, lanky lad visited us. He was soft spoken and exuded an aura of inborn innocence. Sooner than expected, the athletics training came to an abrupt end and Suraj and Samanmalee entered the bonds of marriage with the blessings of elders from both families in the year 1996 and became proud parents of two daughters and a son.

Before his marriage Suraj left for Texas for training as a pilot and having successfully completed the course joined SriLankan airlines as a pilot. He got his command on A320 in November 2000 and he joined ETIHAD AIRWAYS in March 2006. He became a flight instructor in May 2007. He went to the BOEING Fleet in October 2012 as a line pilot and rose to the rank of Senior Examiner on the BOEING fleet.

Suraj was a true nationalist and he loved his country immensely. It was after much deliberation and with a degree of hesitation that he joined a foreign airline. It was done for the sake of his children’s education. All three children are now in the closing stages of their education in foreign universities. He used to visit his motherland at least twice a year and during those visits he used his sizable financial resources to help his needy friends, relations, religious and educational institutions, and desolate villages in the Ampara District. His generosity to his alma mater was highlighted in the funeral oration delivered by a representative of the college. He spent a few millions on the development of the facilities in the Buddangala Viharaya, where his father

Major General Ananda Weerasekera was ordained a priest and spent the last years of life in solitude and meditation.

When I was sworn in as an Attorney- at- Law in 2011, after my retirement from the police service, Suraj congratulated me and presented me with a desktop computer and printer which he had purchased in Abu Dhabi. I am using that computer to type this appreciation. He told me that I could now continue with the service I have been rendering for the nation in the new capacity as a lawyer to help the poor and needy. I cannot express in words the grief that engulfs me when these memories strike my mind.

When he visited Sri Lanka on 02 March this year for the big match between Ananda and Nalanda, he telephoned me and invited me to meet him at his residence in Maharagama. I met him at about 5PM . He was quite hale and hearty and in good spirits and there were no signs of illness. He served me vegetarian pastries and we had tea together. He was a vegetarian and a teetotaler.

True to his word of honour , he treated me with intense respect and unflagging affection. He was the epitome of love and affection. Unfortunately, his relationship with his wife was in the doldrums after nearly

20 years of blissful married life. My wife, Soma, and I were at a loss to understand those shocking developments but we presumed that it was due to the stress of a pilot’s life which invariably involved long days of work away from the family. The trauma generated by such loneliness may have impacted negatively on their relationships and snowballed into the disruption of their marriage. When I met him, he told me that divorce would not in any way disrupt the education of his children; he allocated sufficient funds for their university education.

So, my dear son Suraj, you have discharged the obligations and responsibilities of your life very creditably, a true testimony to the fact that you are a gentleman in the true  sense of the word. You were always conscious of the core concept of Buddhism, to wit, anichcha watha sankara that all things that come to existence  through a combination of causes and conditions are subject to change and decay.’ All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players.’(Shakespeare) Your role was as a Captain and the role was executed exceptionally well.

May you attain the supreme bliss of NIBBANA!

H. M. G. B. Kotakadeniya

(Former SDIG)

Authors: Damien Fernando, Hemantha Madagammana, Gratian Peiris, Mervyn Silva, and Chula Goonasekera On behalf of the LEADS Forum

Why This Article

Whilst acknowledging the government’s ongoing efforts to promote tourism in Sri Lanka, this article aims to inform policymakers and the public about both current and emerging challenges that may arise in the absence of clear, enforceable policies to guide and safeguard the country’s tourism revival. It is vital to recognise the multifaceted economic, social, and cultural benefits of tourism, while also understanding the associated risks and opportunities.

Given Sri Lanka’s small landmass, high population density, and limited space for agriculture and fisheries, balancing tourism development with the rights of local communities—while preserving biodiversity, wildlife, and cultural heritage—is essential.

Challenges and Opportunities: Balancing Tourism and Infrastructure

Sri Lanka must align the increasing number of tourist arrivals with its infrastructure capacity. A shift toward attracting high-value tourists can maximise revenue while minimising pressure on local resources.

Although infrastructure development remains a priority, mitigating the environmental and social impacts of tourism—such as ecological degradation and rising living costs—requires proactive regulation and accountability from both tourists and hosts. A strategic shift is needed from informal accommodations toward registered, star-rated establishments, with support mechanisms to help local entrepreneurs upgrade their offerings.

The rising number of visitors from Russia, Israel, Ukraine, and China has introduced new challenges. Some individuals reportedly use foreign credit card readers to divert funds offshore or operate businesses in foreign currencies, bypassing Sri Lanka’s tax systems. These practices deprive the local economy of fair returns and foster unregulated activity.

A stronger regulatory framework is required—one that enforces visa rules, sets revenue and quality benchmarks, and promotes Sri Lanka as a sustainable, reputation-driven destination. The government must also crack down on foreign nationals operating businesses without valid visas, ensuring clarity in visa categories and consistent oversight.

Tourism Development Strategies

Sri Lanka should diversify its tourism portfolio to reduce pressure on over-visited locations such as Sigiriya and Arugam Bay. Coordination between central and local authorities is key to unlocking the potential of lesser-known attractions.

Marketing should target diverse tourist segments, highlighting Sri Lanka’s heritage, biodiversity, cuisine, and growing infrastructure to appeal to high-end travellers, eco-tourists, climbers, film crews, and adventure seekers. Emerging areas like medical, culinary, and experiential tourism offer further growth opportunities.

High-impact initiatives—such as curated short excursions for transit passengers—can generate quick returns. The goal should be a shift from high-volume to high-value tourism: fewer, wealthier visitors yield better returns with less strain on resources.

Revitalising Sri Lankan Airlines through a strategic international partnership can boost global connectivity. Investments in airport infrastructure, real-time coordination between airlines and transport providers, and increased immigration staffing (until e-gates become standard) will enhance the visitor experience.

Unlocking Urban Tourism Potential

Urban tourism in Sri Lanka remains underdeveloped. Inspired by global models like Singapore, mayors should champion their cities through improved public services, job creation, and trust-building with citizens.

Decentralised governance, community cooperatives, and inclusive planning can foster grassroots participation, provided they are free from corruption. Transparent, evidence-based planning and merit-based appointments are critical.

Data-driven strategies should go beyond visitor numbers, incorporating feedback and complaint tracking to guide service improvements.

With strategic investment, Sri Lanka can attract luxury resorts, entertainment hubs, and theme parks. Provincial councils must lead in showcasing regional diversity—from mountains and rivers to food and festivals.

Dedicated provincial tourism institutions can enhance accountability, while international partnerships and strict quality standards will reinforce global credibility. Regional task forces can unlock tourism assets—for example, transforming the Jaffna Islands into luxury getaways or rebranding Mattala Airport as a marine logistics hub.

Ensuring Fairness

Visitors deserve ethical and transparent treatment, just as Sri Lankans do when travelling abroad. National policies must address exploitative practices, such as excessive commissions. Ethical certifications, transparency measures, and loyalty incentives can drive a more equitable tourism model.

Current tourism revenue—primarily from embarkation and park entry fees—can be modestly expanded without deterring visitors. Basic improvements such as clean restrooms, quality cafés, and safe roads significantly boost visitor satisfaction.

To position Sri Lanka as a safe, fair destination, the country must also address lingering justice issues, including historic cases of violence and crime.

The Role of Government in Tourism Development

Long-term success requires a proactive, coordinated government approach across regulation, development, and sustainability. Key focus areas include:

Empowering Human Capital

* Building a skilled workforce

* Improving service quality

* Promoting gender equity

* Expanding vocational training and “work-and-learn” programs

* Introducing tourism education in schools

* Strengthening national vocational qualifications

* Deploying a trained, multilingual, tech-enabled tourism police force

* Improving language training across the sector

* Offering work visas to visitors who volunteer as language instructors

Policy and Institutional Development

* Digitise and streamline licensing processes

* Develop a national tourism crisis response plan

* Create a disaster relief fund for tourism workers

* Formulate a comprehensive national tourism policy

* Use digital systems for planning, monitoring, and competitiveness

* Prioritise high-revenue, low-impact tourism

* Upgrade foundational infrastructure (restrooms, cafés, roads)

Visa Reform and Monitoring

* Simplify and clarify visa categories

* Eliminate exploitative intermediaries

* Monitor visitor activity to prevent misuse of national resources

* Introduce digital nomad visas for remote workers

* Employ innovative technologies for data-driven visitor management

Enhancing the Visitor Experience

* Offer free, clean rest stops and restrooms

* Enable secure online bookings for public transport

* Eliminate ticket reselling and increase rail capacity on key routes

* Regulate ride-hailing services with quality standards

* Implement robust feedback systems to drive improvements

Improving Wildlife and Tour Services

* Prevent reckless safari behaviour through strict online ticketing systems

* Remove unlicensed tour guides to ensure professionalism and safety

* Establish a multilingual tourism police force

Promoting Sustainable Regional Investment and Community Inclusivity

* Prioritise key tourism hubs and amenities

* Strengthen provincial council accountability

* Improve regional connectivity

* Offer incentives for eco-friendly luxury hotels

* Reduce the share of informal accommodations from 60% to 45% over five years

* Safeguard natural and cultural assets

* Empower local councils and cooperatives in tourism planning

* Launch a year-round national events calendar

* Encourage regional branding that reflects local strengths

Enhancing Quality Assurance and Visitor Support

* Establish a strong quality assurance framework

* Create an independent audit and evaluation task force

* Collect regular feedback and recognise service excellence

* Set up 24/7 multilingual visitor support centres

With strategic investment, sound governance, and a commitment to inclusivity and sustainability, Sri Lanka can become a globally respected, high-value tourism destination, offering enriching experiences to visitors while preserving its heritage and prosperity for future generations.