It is estimated that around 80% of the Russian population drink tea, yet many choose beverages which vary in type, flavour, characteristics, and grade. Arguably one of the most popular brews, however, is known as Russian Caravan Tea, which has since spread across the world. Its popularity is increasing at a rapid rate, as tea connoisseurs flock towards this delicious, full-bodied tea. Noted for its strong, dark, smoky flavour with malty undertones, our Russian Caravan Tea Bags brings you a fascinating history to your morning cup.
The history of this tea is as interesting as the name might suggest. It originates from the long and grueling Sino-Russian trade route, established sometime during the late 17th Century. During this period, large quantities of tea were exported from Imperial China to Tsarist Russia, with much of the produce carried by camel caravans over 10,000 kilometres.
Occasionally, this could take up to 16 months! While there were quicker routes to China along the Southern borders of Odessa, the caravan workers quickly realised that the quality of the tea would suffer from the moist air and tropical climate. Taking the route via Siberia ensured the integrity of the tea was preserved throughout the journey, owing to the cold and dry climate en route.
At night, as the men and camels rested by the sides of the snow-covered roads, many fires were lit for warmth and comfort. Subsequently, the tea found too near to these fires soon began to take on strong, smoky flavours. This suited the Russians well, who greatly enjoyed the flavours of the tea, which evoked a pleasant association with warm, toasty fires and good tobacco.
Unofficially, this meant that the Russians were the first people to enjoy an early form of Lapsang Souchong Tea, years before it was even invented! Today, this beverage is often dubbed ‘the accidental tea’, owing to its strange, yet remarkable beginnings.
Type of Tea: Black Loose Leaf Tea.
Brewing Instructions: Brew using freshly boiled water and infuse for 3 to 5 minutes.
How to Serve: Traditionalists may opt for the use of a samovar. These Russian ‘tea-urns’ date back hundreds of years, with no two designs alike! Russian Caravan 50 Tea Bags can also be enjoyed in a regular cup, and its taste may be complemented by the addition of milk, honey, lemon or sugar.
Tasting Notes: Subtler in flavour compared with our Loose Leaf Russian Caravan Smokey, this beverage offers prominent malty flavours and aromas, with a delectably smooth finish.
Colour in Cup: Coppery liquor, dark in tone.
Health Benefits: Like most other types of Black Tea, Russian Caravan Tea Bags has the ability to improve cardiovascular health and even prevent diabetes! Further to this, when this beverage is consumed as part of a healthy and active lifestyle, Russian Caravan Tea may assist with weight management! While all Black Teas are generally lower in overall polyphenols and catechins than that of Green Tea, they are still an excellent source of certain antioxidants such as thearubigins and theaflavins, due to the longer oxidation process of the leaves.
