The finest Russian Caravan tea from Pumphrey’s!
When brewed, this deliciously smoky, loose leaf tea, black tea evokes images of its past. Its creation was a matter of chance, an accidental discovery.
Originating from the ancient Russian trade route, established sometime in the late 1600s. Large quantities of tea were exported from Imperial China to Tsarist Russia. Mile-long camel caravans loaded with tea travelled some 10,000 kilometres via Siberia taking nearly a year and a half to arrive. In Russia, this tea was traded for fur.
There was a different, shorter route available that negotiated the southern borders of Odessa. However using this road, the tea degraded from the moist air of the tropical sea. The Siberian path, on the other hand, preserved the integrity of the tea, thanks to the cold and dry climate that loomed over this route.
The weary travellers from the 18th century camel caravans that moved along these cold, snow-covered roads, would stop for a rest around campfires. Placed next to the fire, the teas too acquired some of the woody smoke, turning ever so slightly smokier each day.
By the time this type of tea made it to Russia, it tasted quite smoky and quite strong. Fortunately, this suited the Russians; the strong, smoky tea resembled tobacco and firewood – both most commonly associated with giving warmth and comfort.
Not only did cross-country trade flourish with the growing popularity of tea producing, especially Russian Caravan tea, but it also gave the world a whole new class of tea, which may have otherwise, previously been discounted as ruined.
Taste
The Russian caravan tea taste is smoky, almost toasty, chocolate flavour this traditional blend born out of the 19th century Russian trade routes is a favourite with our retail customers.
Not a strong tea but full of flavour. Best enjoyed without milk, maybe try with Lemon for a citrusy brew.
Recommended preparation for the best russian caravan tea
Use approximately 1 heaped teaspoon per cup. Pour over freshly boiled water and cover. Leave to stand for 4-7 minutes. Dispose of the used tea leaves.
To avoid the mess, use with a tea strainer or a tea pot.
Peter (verified owner) –
This is a great tea, one of my favourites..
Great taste, great price = great value
Jennifer Lawson (verified owner) –
This is a gorgeous tea, but not for everyone. If you like flowery Lady Grey, smokey lapsang Souchong, earl grey or Darjeeling, you’ll probably enjoy this tea. I drink mine with milk and a small quantity of sugar (but not always, the flavour is subtle and doesn’t need it), but black would be equally nice.
This tea is my evening/weekend chill out tea 🙂
Christopher Tait (verified owner) –
Lovely smoky flavour.Best without milk.
Denise Mangan (verified owner) –
Not the first time I’ve bought this and it won’t be the last
Elizabeth Oughton (verified owner) –
Absolutely delicious smoky tea and delivered very quickly.
J Pembroke (verified owner) –
Doesn’t smell like Russian Caravan and certainly doesn’t taste like it. Jeeves & Jericho is the best example but no longer available. Unfortunately I made the mistake of ordering two packets. The search goes on.
J Pembroke (verified owner) –
Very poor, its an ok tea but certainly not russian caravan. Jeeves and Jericho product is russian caravan. Unfortunately I ordered two packs. I’ll just have it as everyday black tea.
Andrew Cree (verified owner) –
This is my favourite tea- the flavour is addictive and I love it. Having quickly demolished 250g from Pumphrey’s stand at the in-door market in Newcastle I bought a kg on-line a couple of weeks later. It has the smokiness of lapsang souchong combined with a very pleasant Oolong and perhaps other teas are also in the mix?
Rob Mason (verified owner) –
I haven’t found any other brand that has the same depth of smoky flavour as this.