It's All About Tea — tea traditions

In an earlier blog post, we witnessed the beauty of tea rituals outside of China. Today, we continue to explore the path of cha in near and distant lands. In today’s post, we’ll set on a journey to the vast Russian planes.

Russia’s connection to Chinese tea is ingrained into the local culture in a way so profound few other countries can compare to it. As its territory changed through the ages, so did the cultural landscape, influenced by the lands and people the empire included during its different periods. Chinese tea was ubiquitous to the point of being considered a national drink in pre-Soviet Russia. Its history started with the establishment of the Silk Road and has been ongoing ever since. (Read more)

Last time we traveled to the cradles of tea culture – China and Japan. We learned about the local tea experience and how it changed with time.

Today, our path takes us to more near and distant places to explore their relationship with tea. We’ll witness the vital role tea plays in the social culture and customs of the local people in Portugal, the Netherlands and Morocco. (Read more)

Tea is the beverage we choose when we want to unwind and feel rejuvenated at the same time. Coffee may be the energy drink that gets us going in the morning and powers us when working through the night. Tea is more than just a calming brew, whether black, green, white, herbal, hot, or icy cold. It could be a ritual, a social or cultural event, or even spiritual practice.

The tea customs in different countries give us a unique insight into the cultural landscape of their peoples. They highlight the dominating social values and their evolution over time. Let’s embark on a colorful journey across the continents, discovering the tea ritual and sharing a cup of tea with the world! (Read more)

Seeing for the first time tea brewed with a bowl and spoon might come as a surprise to tea enthusiasts who are fans of the Chinese tea ceremony - gong fu cha. It is a popular brewing method in Taiwan, used for brewing green teas and oolongs. (Read more)

While butter tea usually causes confusion in most not familiar with it, it actually has a rich and interesting history. It has been a staple for people living in the Himalayas for centuries and continues to be so.

 

WHAT IS BUTTER TEA?

Butter tea has many names in different languages but is commonly known as po cha. It originated in the Tibetan Himalayas but is now commonly enjoyed throughout Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, India, western China and Mongolia. To make butter tea, four ingredients are needed: tea leaves, butter, water, and salt.

(Read more)