Over the years, tea in Russia has grown into something bigger than a simple beverage, and an invitation to tea is considered a sign of fondness and hospitality.
In Russia, the samovar is seen as a symbol of a warm home and family ties as well as something that is truly Russian and owned by the nation.
A notable feature of Russian tea culture is the two-step brewing process. First, tea concentrate called zavarka is prepared: a quantity of dry tea sufficient for several persons is brewed in a small teapot. Then, each person pours some quantity of this concentrate into the cup and mixes it with hot water; thus, one can make one’s tea as strong as one wants, according to one’s taste. Sugar, lemon, honey or jam can then be added freely.
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