Tea Traditions: Russia

A Little Bit of History:

Tea arrived in Russia in 1638 when a Mongolian ruler gifted some to the Tzara of Russia.  By 1679 Tea was being traded with nearby China, and was transported by camel caravan.  The transport was quite costly and at the time only the rich and famous could afford to drink tea.

Photo by Catherine Murray

Over time improvements were made to the route and it became easier to make the journey.  Tea was being transported in greater quantities and more frequently, so that by by 1796, Russia was importing 3 million pounds of tea, at a decreased price, which opened the market to the middle and lower class.  Soon after the railroad was built, which of course made the product even more accessible to the masses.

Tea Tradition:

Russians drink primarily black tea made from loose leaf tea.  It is brewed differently than how we typically brew our tea.  Loose leaf tea is brewed in a small teapot with a high concentration of tea leaves to water.  The brew becomes very concentrated and is very strong.  Russians refer to this brew as 'zavarka'.  Once the liquid is brewed, a small amount of it is poured into a large cup and then boiling water is added.  The amount of water added is adjusted by individual to the the strength of tea that they desire.  Tea is drank either black or with milk, and is often sweetened with jam!!

Traditionally a samovar is used, however has now been replaced by electric kettles for ease of use.  The Samovar is pictured below and usually has a spot for the tea concentrate to keep warm up top, and the large belly of the pot is filled with water and kept hot.  The hot water is accessed by a spout at the bottom of the large water belly.  

Tea must be served with food, otherwise it is considered to be rude.  The samovar is a symbol of hospitality and comfort.  In Russia tea is used for socializing, and you will always be offered tea and snack at somebody's house.  

Although the method of brewing and consuming tea differs from what we are accustomed to, the tradition of being social, sharing and caring is the same everywhere.  It is a consistent theme across all tea traditions, and part of the reason why I enjoy tea so much.

I have never tried the Russian way of tea.  Has anybody had any experiences with this tea tradition?