The History and Culture of Tea in Russia

The story of tea in Russia began in 1638 when a Mongol ruler presented tea as a gift to Tsar Michael I. Unable to give up tea after its introduction, Russia began importing it from China in 1679, in exchange for various animal furs. However, the long and arduous trade routes made the cost of tea so high that only the wealthy in Russia could afford this delicious beverage. Between 1824 and 1880, thanks to the development of trade networks and routes, the cost of imported tea decreased, allowing people from all walks of life in Russia to enjoy it. From the second half of the 19th century onwards, due to the decline of tea production in China, Russia began importing tea from England and Ukraine.

Tea Culture in Russia

Tea, which warms us up in cold weather, has a very old and important place in Russian culture. The tea-drinking and brewing habits of the Russian people are very similar to those of our country.

An important feature of Russian tea culture is the two-stage brewing process. (A familiar method) First, a tea concentrate called zavarka (Russian: заварка) is prepared. Zavarka, a dark tea concentrate, consists of tea and water in a 1:5 ratio. Five teaspoons of black tea leaves per cup are combined with the water in the samovar and brewed in a teapot called a "chainik," which is then placed on top of the samovar to keep it warm. Yes, you read that right, a samovar! The samovar's origins lie in Russian tea culture.

In Russia, both the preparation and consumption of tea are ceremonial. Tea is drunk plain or with lemon. Jam, honey, or sugar are used to sweeten the tea. As in Turkish culture, Russians may also consume sugar by pinching it with their tea, depending on preference.

Syrinki are snacks consumed alongside tea. The most famous of these are Russian tea cakes. These cakes are made with flour, butter, and sugar, with additions of walnuts, almonds, or pistachios according to taste, and resemble cookies in shape. Russian teacups are served with metal handles called "Podstakannik." The purpose of this is to prevent the person drinking the tea from burning their hand.

Although tea isn't grown in Russia, it has held a significant place in Russian culture since 1638 and is an indispensable part of friendly conversations. On this occasion, we'd like to mention that Lazika tea is now available in Russia, and there's even a Lazika shop and cafe in Nalchik in the south. You can even order it from their Instagram account @Lazika_tea. Exciting!

Photograph

A tea party in Mytishchi. Vasily Perov, 1862 / Wikipedia