Russian tea culture
For tea fans, the Russian tea tradition has a unique charm. It is sweet and bold, unlike any other tea tradition in the world. Let us learn more about Russian tea culture and growing tea in Russia.
Russian tea
Russia is a country with an extraordinary tea and tea culture. Although the most popular "Russian" tea comes from China or India, Russia also produces its own tea. In fact, it is one of the few countries that can produce all types of tea except black tea, including green tea, white tea, yellow tea, oolong black tea and black tea. However, because the climate in most parts of Russia is not suitable for growing tea, the tea production in Krasnodar and Sochi is mostly limited to a small area. So far, the most common is pure leaf black tea.
Russian tea culture
Despite the limited production of tea, it still has one of the richest tea cultures in the world, which began more than 400 years ago. The cold climate, good geographical location and proximity to tea producing countries made black tea an indispensable part of Russian culture earlier than other European countries. For example, in the UK, the tradition of afternoon tea was introduced less than 200 years ago. As with any tea, the importance of tea goes far beyond providing comfort and warmth. It is also an opportunity to talk, share intimacy and socialize.
You should never drink pure Russian tea, but sugar, lemon or jam. Adding jam to tea is a unique tradition, which is not typical in other tea cultures. Other tea cultures usually use milk, cream, lemon or sugar as condiments. Russian jam or varenye is usually made from strawberries or similar fruits and has a very sweet taste. Sugar is usually not added directly to the cup, but placed in the mouth. Although the method of brewing and serving tea is different from traditional Western tea, one habit is the same. Hot black tea is always eaten with food-the sweeter the better. Russian tea is drunk in special glasses, such as porcelain cups or even saucers.
Popular types and flavor characteristics of Russian tea
Black tea is still the most popular tea in Russia. In addition, loose leaves are more popular than traditionally brewed tea bags. In fact, before the invention of tea bags, the Russian people already had a strong tea tradition. One of the benefits of using loose leaf black tea is that it can be mixed with other ingredients, such as herbs or flowers. Lemon is the most popular black tea condiment in Russia, and citrus black tea blends are also very popular. Green tea is also very popular today.
Most Russian black tea blends have smoky, sweet, fruity and citrus flavors. Russian tea is very unique, with a fresh, dark flavor and floral, caramel and fruity aromas. Sometimes they are flavored with berries, lemon and mint.
