Organic Tea (Camellia senensis)
We are happy to say that SOFA is a proud member of the Sri Lankan Tea Industry. Nearly 500 members in the High Grown region produce organic green leaf, which has quite a distinctive flavor and pungency, and is widely used in many blends. Approximately 900 farmers in the Gampola region, near proximity to the first commercial level tea plantation established in Sri Lanka, produce Mid Grown organic green leaf, which is more suitable for green tea. Nearly 200 tea farmers in the Gampola region produce Biodynamic green leaf.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)
Cinnamomum verum recognized as Ceylon cinnamon or true cinnamon which is native to Sri Lanka and is very unique among other cinnamon species (as cassia cinnamon). Sri Lanka holds the kingship of world cinnamon market as Pure Ceylon Cinnamon. Cinnamon is widely used in bakery products and cosmetics worldwide. SOFA members in Matale and Down south especially produce high quality organic as well as biodynamic cinnamon which is inheritable to green paradise. C5, C4, C3, M5 and H1 quill grades and chips are available in our stock.
Pepper (Piper nigrum)
Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is a flowering wine in the family Piperaceae, cultivated for its fruit which is usually dried and used as a spice. It is known as “King of the spice”, because it is the largest commodity in international spice market and it was the first spice discovered by man. Uses of pepper, in addition to traditional use in food industry are also spreading to other aspects in human life as beverages, perfume, cosmetics, medicines insecticides and fungicides. Our members in Matale region mainly produce black pepper and white pepper. We supply green pepper also if the necessity arises.
Clove (Eugenia caryophyllus)
Eugenia caryophyllus is a tropical perennial tree. Its harvested unopened flower buds are important as spice used in food industry and in pharmaceutical industry. Cloves have a very intense aroma and are warm and sweet in flavor. The oil found within the clove stem is mildly antiseptic and is often used in dentistry to help alleviate infections and aches within the mouth. Clove from Sri Lanka has exclusive physical shape and color owing to handpick of buds and we supply high quality clove to international market.
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)
Nutmeg comes from an evergreen tree and is interesting because not only does this tree produce nutmeg, but it also produces the spice, mace. Nutmeg is the seed from the tree, and mace is a red covering that is over the seed. Nutmeg is popular due to its usage as a spice and for health benefits such as to reduce blood pressure and blood glucose levels. Sri Lankan Nutmeg shows distinctive features as a significant amount of its chemical compounds are conducive to its flavor and to larger oil content.
Vanilla (Vanilla Planifolia or Fragrans)
Vanilla is the second most expensive spice of the world, mainly used for food flavoring and perfume production. According to some studies on vanillin, it contains strong antioxidant and antibacterial properties, and even cancer or tumor fighting abilities.
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamom)
Cardamom is a perennial herbaceous plant that is known as the “Queen of Spices”. It has a unique taste and an intensely aromatic fragrance. Sri Lankan cardamom has a delicately pleasant flavor and a fragrant aroma. The Dried fruit or cardamom capsule is the article of trade that is used in the extraction of oil and oleoresin. It is popularly used in traditional medicine; herbal spice in culinary preparations, specially used to flavor sweet dishes, confectionaries, bakery products also for flavoring of beverages and drinks is also used in Ayurvedeic and Chinese medicine
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger is an herb where the rhizome (underground stem) is used as both a spice and a medicine. It can be used fresh, dried, and powdered, or as a juice or oil. Our farmers cultivate local and imported varieties (Rangoon and Chinese).
Turmeric (Curcuma domestica)
It has a warm, bitter taste and is frequently used as a flavoring and coloring agent in the food industry. It is also used as a coloring in textiles and the preparation of specific paints. The root of turmeric is also used widely to make medicine.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Cymbopogon Citratus, largely used as a culinary herb, is also used in oil distillation. As a vaporizer, the oil works as an effective panacea against bacteria, flu, and colds. It has stimulating agents, tonics, and aromas, and is diuretic and antispasmodic.
Curry leaves (Murraya koenigii)
Curry leaves are a rich source of iron and folic acid. Protection from liver damage and heart diseases, maintenance of blood sugar levels, and help towards easy digestion are some of the health benefits of curry leaves. It is mainly used in flavoring curry. It is used for Ayurvedeic purposes also. Our members collect naturally grown curry leaves from small forest patches.
Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus)
Citronella is a fragrant grass widely known for its fresh, lemon-like aroma. It is commonly used to produce essential oil, which serves as a natural insect repellent and is also valued in perfumes, soaps, and aromatherapy. Beyond its fragrance, citronella oil has traditional uses for easing stress, uplifting mood, and supporting skin health. Sri Lankan citronella is especially sought after for its purity, strong citrus scent, and high oil content, making it a preferred choice in global markets.
Coconut (Cocos Nucifera)
The Coconut tree is a member of the family Arecaceae. Coconut is often referred to as the ‘Tree of Life’. The three most important forms of consumption from coconuts are coconut oil, desiccated coconut, and coconut milk. Sri Lanka is in the No. 04 position in the world export of all kernel products. Coconut cultivated in Sri Lanka consists of a distinguished white color and a characteristic taste. Our members in the Kurunagala region cultivate coconut, and we supply quality coconut.
Medicinal herbs are plants that are used for medicinal
purposes. Local people consume medicinal herbs in habitual life as curry, herbal tea, or porridge and specially use in Ayurvedeic medicine. We collect medicinal herbs from certified organic farm lands of spice farmers.
Iramusu (Hemidesmus Indicus)
English Name: Indian Sarasaparilla
Remedy for Piles, Asthma, Cough, Skin Rashes
Gotukola (Centella Asiatica)
English Name: Pennywort
Ayurvedic usage:-Diarrhea, Rheumatism, Dysentery, Depression, Ear diseases, Genital disorders, Febrifuge, Nervous system disorders, Paralysis, spasm, Pains, Kidney diseases, Parasites, Leprosy, Lactation disorders, Skin and mucosal diseases, Arthritis.
Maduruthala (Ocimum Tenuiflorum)
English Name: Sacred Basil, Holy Basil
Ayurvedic usage:-, Bee stings, Coma, Snake bites, Phthisis, Anorexia, Leech bites, Gonorrhea, Malaria, Croup, Bronchitis, Diarrhea, Gastric disorders, Hepatic infections, Earache, Vomiting, Worm infestation, Rheumatism, Mosquito bites, Catarrh, Wasp stings.
Pavatta (Pavetta Indica) English Name: Indian Pavetta
Visceral obstruction / Heamorroidal pains / Rhuematism / Eye diseases
Polpala (Aerva Lantana) English Name: Kapok Bush
Aerva lantana is a Perennial herb use in Ayurvedeic medicine to Kidney disorders, Bladder and Kidney stones, Snake bites, Boils, Sore throat.
Ranawara (Cassia Auriculata) English Name: Mature Tea Tree
Kidney diseases, Dysentery, and Diabetes mellitus