| Czar Nicholas/Russian
Caravan |
|
|
| Country of
Origin: |
India, China, Sri Lanka |
| Cup
Characteristics: |
A lively cup with slightly toasty notes. This
tea has a hint of "Lapsang Souchong". |
| Ingredients: |
Luxury black tea |
| Form: |
Loose Leaves |
| Infusion: |
Strong with a hint of citrus. Spicy with
citrus overtones |
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|
Information:
During the Czar’s time, tea was the most important drink
after vodka. In fact, even today the tradition continues as
Russia and the CIS are major consumers of tea in world terms.
Their tastes have changed over the years, but light bright
flavory teas are still in high demand in Russia. Quite often
the tea is thrown into a pot and allowed to simmer and steep
all day (evidence of this custom can be seen in the Russian
samovar - the ideal means of serving tea Russian style).
The history of this tea goes back hundreds of years. In the
city of Xian in central China one can see a historical marker
that is acknowledged to be the beginning of the Silk Road - the
trail that lead to central Asia (areas such as the Caucuses and
the Black Sea). One of the commodities taken along the Silk
Road was tea. The tea that was carried on the camel trains left
a lasting impression on central Asia - so much so that to
supplement their importation of tea, tea was cultivated in the
region.
Hot Brewing Method:
Bring freshly drawn cold water to just before a boil. Place
1 teaspoon of tea for each cut in the teapot. Pour your hot
water over the leaves. Let steep for 3-7 minutes according to
taste (The longer the steeping time the stronger the tea). Add
milk and sugar to taste.
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