Step into the hidden treasure of tea culture in Eastern Europe, where tradition and history meet in a unique taste experience. Although the region is often associated with coffee and vodka, tea has a strong and fascinating presence in the Eastern European countries.
The tea culture in Eastern Europe
It was the Mongols who first brought the tea to Eastern Europe, where it was considered an expensive luxury item. The tea quickly became a symbol of elegance and sophistication.
Later, tea began to be grown in the areas between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, including Russia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. These regions became famous for their tea plantations that spread across the picturesque landscape. During the Soviet era, the tea industry experienced remarkable growth as the Soviet Union became one of the world's leading producers of tea. In Georgia, a country known for its tea production, large plantations and expertise from China were essential in creating this thriving industry.
Although many of the former flourishing plantations are now abandoned and overgrown, the legacy of Russian tea culture still lives on. A traditional way of brewing Russian tea is using a samovar, which creates a real atmosphere and a cozy experience. This brewing method is called "zavarka" and involves making a strong tea concentrate that is then diluted according to individual preferences. Some prefer to add a touch of lemon to add a fresh flavor to the tea.