Why this high tea in Cape Town should be on your bucket list

At Hazendal, they believe that you haven’t experienced high tea properly untilyou’ve experienced the art of theRussian Tea Ceremony. Captivatingand unique, it’s a ceremony unlikeany other.

HOW DOES A RUSSIAN TEA CEREMONY DIFFER FROM A TRADITIONAL HIGH TEA?

There are many traditions thatmake up the Russian tea ceremony.It’s not only about indulging tastebuds, but your other senses too.Take, for instance, the artistry ofthe traditional, colourful samovar.This special tea apparatus is usedto boil water and to keep it hot fordispensing at a moment’s notice.It takes pride of place in the centreof the table and is decorated withbaranki biscuits that symbolisewealth and prosperity. Black looseleaf tea concentrate (zavarka) isplaced in a teapot attached to thetop of the samovar, and brewed tothe perfect strength. A samovar cancome in different body shapes anddesigns, which creates the vessel’sdistinctive ‘song’ when the waterstarts to boil. Sight, sound, eventouch and smell come together tocreate a delightful experience for allthe senses.

THE INTRIGUING HISTORY OF RUSSIAN TEA

It’s not only the ceremony and apparatus that are unique, but the tea itself. Tea has a long and rich heritage in Russia. It is widely considered the country’s national drink – hardly surprising, given Russia’s chilly climate. Tea was first introduced to Russia in the 16thcentury, but its popularity began to soar in the 17th century when it was available almost exclusively to royalty and other extremely wealthy Russians.(The exorbitant cost of tea was a result of the circuitous trade route from china to Russia via camel caravan.) It was only in the 19th century that tea became more widely accessible to the greater public, due to new and better transport routes via train.

THE FABLES OF FLAVOUR

Certain types of black tea, like the speciality Tsar blend used inHazendal’s Russian tea, have a rich, smoky intensity to them. When tea

was first exported from China to Europe and America, the long voyage caused green tea to quickly deteriorate. It could take up to18 months to complete the trip,after all. Chinese tea producers,therefore, needed to come up with a solution. They found a way to roll, oxidise and dry the tea to help it retain its vitality and quality for longer. To dry the tea,it was placed in bamboo baskets on racks in drying rooms, which were built over ovens. The ovens were fired with pinewood from the surrounding forests that gave this particular tea its distinctive flavourand aroma.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT A RUSSIAN TEA CEREMONY AT HAZENDAL

Naturally, you’ll be served the finest black tea, specially sourced for Hazendal and brewed in a traditional samovar at your table. You’ll also indulge in a variety of decadent savoury and sweet delicacies, including blinis, baranki, and other traditional Russiandelights, while you relax in the opulent Russian Team Room with views over the tasting lounge, gardens and working cellar. A special youngsters’ menu is available too, ideal for tween guests, making it the perfect way to bond with your loved ones.www.hazendal.co.za