Tea is definitely a significant part of the Russian Culture, and recent studies show that 85% of Russia consumes tea on a daily basis. These overwhelming numbers are simply due the fact that tea is relaxing and a great source of a low cost diet. Needless to say, winters in Russia are rather harsh, making tea a drink of choice and also regarded as the de facto national beverage of the country. Tea was first introduced in Russia by a Mongolian dignitary in 1638, who was given a bag of leaves, which he first refused to accept, but later complied and this acknowledgement began streaming tea from China into Russia.
Russian tea makes a traditional after meal beverage, and is prepared in a Russian kettle, referred to locally as Samovars. These decorative tea pots are flourished with eccentric décor to include folk tales and pictures. These are often found in offices, restaurants and homes, and the small ones usually have a capacity of 3 liters, while the larger Russian tea kettles can facilitate up to 30 liters. Samovars are crafted from oxidized metal, and are shaped to resemble a coffee urn, with a place to house a teapot on the top.
The Samovar and the teapot work simultaneously, with the tea leaves brewing above and the water heating below. The result is “Zavarka”, which is a strong liquid that needs to be further diluted with the hot water that can be streamed from the side of the Russian tea kettle. Listed below are a few ways to make Russian tea if you have a Samovar or with a normal kettle.
Russian Fruit Tea
Add 2 cups of water to your Samovar and bring it to a boil.
Grab a small teapot to make the Zavarka by combining 4-5 tablespoons of Orange Pekoe Tea, 2-3 cloves and half cup apple cider.
Keep the mixture damp by adding small amounts of boiling water for approximately 8-10 minutes.
When you’re ready to serve, simply blend the concentrate with the desired level of hot water, add jam or honey.
Enjoy!
Instant Russian Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¾ cup white sugar
½ cup tea powder
½ teaspoon ground allspice
3 ounces lemon-flavor powder
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups orange-flavored drink powder
Directions:
Mix the sugar, spices, and the flavored juice powder in a large bowl.
Please them in individual jars for future use.
When ready to make the Russian tea, simple add 2-3 spoons and top it off with boiling water.
Russian tea makes a great relaxant and is a great compliment to any meal or with coffee cup cakes.
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