Russian tea

Russian Tea

Russian tea, also known as "chai", is a significant part of Russian culture and history. It is not just a beverage, but a social activity with a long-standing tradition. The practice of drinking tea in Russia has evolved over the centuries and has its own unique characteristics and rituals.

History

The history of tea in Russia can be traced back to the 17th century. It was first introduced to Russia by a Mongolian ruler, Altyn Khan, as a gift to Tsar Michael I. Initially, tea was considered a luxury item and was not widely consumed. However, by the 19th century, it had become a common beverage in Russian households.

Russian Tea Culture

Russian tea culture is unique and distinct from other tea-drinking cultures around the world. It involves the use of a special tea brewing device known as a samovar. The samovar is a large metal container with a small teapot (known as a "chai-nik") on top. The samovar is filled with boiling water, while the teapot is filled with a strong tea concentrate, known as "zavarka".

Zavarka

Zavarka is a strong tea concentrate brewed in a small teapot. It is made by steeping a large amount of tea leaves in a small amount of boiling water. The resulting brew is very strong and is diluted with hot water from the samovar to make a cup of tea.

Tea Types

The most common type of tea consumed in Russia is black tea, although green tea is also popular. Russian Caravan is a traditional blend of oolong, keemun, and lapsang souchong teas, which has a smoky flavor. It is named after the 18th-century camel caravans that first brought tea to Russia from China.

Tea Accompaniments

Tea in Russia is typically served with a variety of accompaniments, such as Russian pastries, honey, lemon, and jam. It is also common to serve tea with a slice of lemon, without milk.

See Also

• Samovar
• Russian cuisine
• History of tea