Discover the Art of Making Turkish Tea!
Turkish tea is symbol of warmth, hospitality, and togetherness! Enjoyed throughout the day, Turkish tea brings people together for lively conversations and friendly gatherings.
Turkey has a rich and vibrant tea culture that plays a significant role in the daily lives of its people. Turkish tea, known as "çay", is an integral part of social interactions, hospitality, and daily routines. Unlike the traditional British tea time, there isn't a fixed time of day designated for tea consumption in Turkey. People enjoy tea throughout the day, with peak times being mid-morning and mid-afternoon when it's common to see people taking a tea break.
Here's some facts about Turkey's tea culture:
- Ubiquity: Turkish tea is omnipresent throughout the country. It is the most commonly consumed beverage and is offered virtually everywhere – from homes and offices to cafes, restaurants, and even small street-side tea stands.
- Preparation: Turkish tea is traditionally brewed using a two-tiered tea pot called a "çaydanlık." Water is boiled in the lower part while loose black tea leaves are placed in the upper part. Once the water boils, some of it is poured over the tea leaves, and the upper pot is placed on the lower one to steam the tea. The resulting tea is strong and dark, but it can be diluted with hot water to suit individual preferences.
- Serving: Turkish tea is typically served in small, tulip-shaped glasses known as "çay bardağı." These glasses are designed to retain heat and showcase the deep reddish-brown color of the tea. It is common for people to drink several cups of tea in one sitting, and it's considered a polite gesture to offer a second or third serving to guests.
- Socializing: Sharing tea is an essential part of Turkish hospitality. Offering tea to guests is a way of expressing warm hospitality and friendship. When visiting someone's home or shop, it's customary to be offered tea, and it's considered impolite to refuse.
- Tea Gardens: In addition to the ubiquitous tea stands and cafes, Turkey also has numerous tea gardens ("çay bahçesi") scattered across the country. These outdoor venues are popular meeting places where friends and families gather to enjoy tea and conversation amidst beautiful surroundings.
- Tea Time: Unlike the traditional British tea time, there isn't a fixed time of day designated for tea consumption in Turkey. People enjoy tea throughout the day, with peak times being mid-morning and mid-afternoon when it's common to see people taking a tea break.
- Social Bonding: Turkish tea culture fosters social bonding and community engagement. It is common for people to engage in lively discussions, debates, or card games over a pot of tea.
- Symbol of Turkish Identity: Turkish tea has become an integral part of the country's national identity. It represents the warmth and hospitality of the Turkish people and has become a symbol of their culture.
Did you know that Turkey is a country that actually grows its own tea? Turkey has beautiful tea plantations located in the northeastern region near the Black Sea. The popular "Rize tea" comes from here, boasting its robust flavor and deep reddish-brown color. We loved the true charm of Turkish tea, cultivated right within their borders!
While traditional Turkish tea is typically made using Rize tea, Shanti Strong Assam, Assam CTC or Irish Breakfast can be a suitable alternative, especially if Rize tea leaves are not readily available or if you prefer a stronger and more robust flavor in your tea. Feel free to explore and experiment with different tea types to find the blend that suits your taste preferences best. Enjoy your Turkish tea experience!
Our team at Shanti tea is working together with organic Turkish tea farmers to bring Turkish tea to our tea store!
Have you ever wondered how to brew that perfect cup of Turkish tea? Look no further! Let's dive into the delightful world of Turkish tea-making:
Step 1️⃣: Gather Your Supplies
- A two-tiered teapot (çaydanlık)
- High-quality loose black tea (Turkish Rize tea is perfect but Shanti Strong Assam, Assam CTC or Irish Breakfast are suitable and will not get bitter)
- Fresh water
- Small tulip-shaped glasses (çay bardağı) for serving
Step 2️⃣: Boil the Water
Fill the lower part of the teapot with water and put it on the stove. Allow the water to reach a rolling boil.
Step 3️⃣: Add the Tea Leaves
Place the loose black tea leaves in the upper part of the teapot. Use one teaspoon of tea leaves per glass of water you're using.
Step 4️⃣: Steep and Steam
Once the water is boiling, pour some over the tea leaves in the upper pot. Then, place the upper pot on the lower one to let the tea steep and steam for about 10-15 minutes.
Step 5️⃣: Dilute to Taste
Turkish tea is served strong, but you can adjust the strength by diluting it with hot water according to your preference.
Step 6️⃣: Savor the Moment
Pour the delicious tea into small glasses. It should not taste bitter but has a nice astringency. For that reason, it is always served with sugar cubes. Enjoy the rich flavor and inviting aroma of Turkish tea. It's the perfect beverage for socializing and relaxation at any time of the day!
