Russian Caravan

Russian Caravan is a blend of oolong, keemun, and lapsang souchong teas, all of which originate from the Camellia sinensis plant. It is a traditional type of tea in Russia, and it has a distinctive smoky flavor.

History

The name "Russian Caravan" refers to the 18th-century camel caravans that facilitated the tea trade between China and Russia. These caravans would travel 6,000 miles on the Tea Road, a journey that could take as long as 16 months. The tea would often take on the smoky flavor of the campfires, resulting in the unique flavor profile that Russian Caravan is known for today.

Preparation and Consumption

Russian Caravan is typically brewed with boiling water for a period of three to five minutes. The resulting brew is dark and robust, with a smoky flavor that can be softened with the addition of milk or sugar. In Russia, it is traditionally served in a samovar, a heated metal container traditionally used to heat and boil water in Russia.

Varieties

While the traditional blend of Russian Caravan consists of oolong, keemun, and lapsang souchong teas, variations may include Assam and Yunnan teas. Some blends may also include Darjeeling for a more complex flavor profile.

See Also

• History of tea in Russia
• List of Chinese teas
• List of tea types