The unique tea-drinking customs of Ukraine people

Ukraine's preference for tea cannot be concealed even in the turbulent situation. In Kiev's recently turbulent Independence Square, those who had earlier joined forces to overthrow Yanukovych's government, as well as those Ukraine who were concerned about when Russia would invade militarily, sat in tents. Many people held a cup of hot Ukraine specialty tea in their hands and took a sip from time to time to ward off the cold.

Ukraine people like to sip tea, even to the extent that they cannot enjoy it without tea. Ukraine people began drinking tea in the 17th century, when Ukraine had been incorporated into Tsar Russia. According to historical records, in 1679, tsarist Russia signed the first tea purchase contract with China. At that time, the price of tea was very expensive. Tea was an oriental divine drink that only a few upper-class people could enjoy. Therefore, tasting tea was once a symbol of identity and wealth. It was in the late 18th and early 19th centuries that tea really entered the homes of ordinary people. At that time, some people put tea in large teapots and sold it along the street. People could come and have a cup at any time on the street. Prior to this, Ukraine people mainly drank honey water, grass tea, and Gwas. But ever since I came into contact with tea, I couldn't leave it anymore.

What is completely different from China tasting tea is that Ukraine people do not directly pour tea leaves into cups or teapots to drink, but first brew a "Zawarka", or tea starter. The so-called tea starter is very strong tea. When tasting tea, first pour a little tea starter into the teacup, then turn on the faucet on the samovar and pour boiling water to dilute the strong tea, add sugar and lemon slices, and serve it. Interestingly, the authentic way to taste tea in Ukraine does not use a teacup, but a small plate. Due to the cold weather, if you use a small plate to sip tea, the steam formed by the hot tea will come to your face, making it very pleasant. During tea tasting, the water in the samovar is always rumbling, because they believe that the best tea must be rolling tea. Ukraine people drink tea with rich refreshments, such as chocolate, jam, honey, cakes, biscuits, etc., and sometimes even add balsam, brandy or whiskey to increase the mellow taste of the tea.

For a long time, Ukraine people have formed a unique tea drinking custom: due to climate and diet, Ukraine people prefer to drink tea with strong flavor, black tea is the first choice, followed by green tea, scented tea, fruit tea, grass tea, etc. Nowadays, they like China's green tea more and more. In addition, many varieties such as Pu 'er, Tieguanyin, and white tea in China have become new riches in people's eyes. If you give local people a box of good tea from China, they will surely find a treasure and happily take it back to share it with relatives and friends.

Not only does the tea drink by Ukraine originate from China, but cups, teapots, and even samoons used to make tea are also deeply influenced by China. It is understood that the structure of the teapot originates from China's hot pot. It is similar to a mixture of my country's hot pot and a large copper teapot. The most common teapot is quite similar to a large trophy, but also has balls, vases, goblets, etc. The teapot is divided into three parts. The top is a cylindrical chimney, the middle is a round cooking chamber, the outside is equipped with faucets and handles, and the bottom is a vent. In the past, the teapot was the most important decoration in every Ukraine family. It was usually placed in the most conspicuous place in the living room. People with expenses often customized the teapot, with the owner's name, the date of production and the name of the factory engraved on it.