Russia Today, Krasnodar in South Russia.
Tea production in Russia is on the rise in the south of the country, with unique blends cultivated from Chinese plants brought to the region more than a century ago. Just a few kilometers from Sochi’s coast, in the village of Izmailovka, you can see the Krasnodar tea being grown.
Wikipedia; Since 1638, tea has had a rich and varied history in Russia. Due in part to Russia’s northern climate, it is today considered the de facto national beverage and is closely associated with traditional Russian culture.
An important aspect of the Russian tea culture is the ubiquitous Russian tea brewing device known as a Samovar, which has become a symbol of hospitality, and comfort.
Traditionally, black tea is the most common tea in Russia - and according to William Pokhlyobkin, tea in Russia was not perceived as a self-dependent beverage, thus even the affluent classes adorned it with a jam, syrup, cakes, cookies, candies and lemon.
The first local tea plant in Russia was set in Nikitsk botanical gardens in 1814, while the first industrial tea plantation was established in 1885. Today, the main area in Russia for tea production is in the vicinity of Sochi in Krasnodar region, which has the world’s northernmost tea plantations.
