Turkish Tea

Turkish tea (in Turkish “çay”) is the most popular beverage in Turkey, the North Africa, the Middle East and the Horn of Africa. Turkish tea is actually a black tea produced on the eastern Black Sea coast. Many tea plantations are located around the town of Rize. That is why the Turks call this tea Rize tea.

Turkish tea

Turkish tea is prepared in two special kettles (in Turkish “çaydanlık”). Water is boiled in the larger lower kettle. Some water is used to fill the smaller kettle on top. There you put several spoons of loose tea leaves. That way a very strong tea is made. When served, the remaining water is used to dilute tea. You can choose between strong (in Turkish “koyu” - "dark") or weak (in Turkish “açık” - "light") tea. Tea is served hot in small glasses. Some glasses have the special rim to protect your fingertips from getting burned. Tea is sweetened with beetroot sugar.