What is Russian Caravan tea?

Russian Caravan article feat image

Russian Caravan tea is a blend consisting of three famous Chinese teas: Lapsang Souchong, Oolong and Keemun. Here we will tell you everything about this extravagant tea, from the etymology of its name to its health benefits! 

Russian Caravan Tea. History.

Russian Caravan tea originates from the 18th century. In those days, a new method of delivering tea from India and China to other countries was introduced: it started to be delivered by caravans of camels. 

You may wonder why. Well, the cheapest and most convenient way of tea transit was still by sea (usually, tea would arrive in Odessa or another port city). However, given high humidity levels on ships, the flavouring and the quality of the tea delivered this way was slightly damaged.

On the other hand, whenever tea was delivered by land, in continental climate conditions (however cold it might have been), it did not lose its taste qualities in any way. What is more, due to being exposed to fresh air for a long time, this tea had a great freshness about it!

Russian Caravan

The journey was long, often lasting more than 6 months, and was as long as 6,000 miles. The poor camels had to cross the steppes of Mongolia and Russia. Given that most of the transit time was spent in Russia, the tea delivered in this way was entitled “Russian Caravan Tea”. Moreover, it was extremely cold there, so campfires were a very frequent occurrence. 

 

Due to regular “encounters” with campfires, the tea was slightly smoked by the time of its arrival in Europe, which affected its taste. This smoked taste became the “trademark” of Russian Caravan Tea. 

What is Russian Caravan Tea nowadays?

Nowadays such sacrifices are no longer necessary, because there are many very convenient and quick tea delivery options, including transit by air. Therefore, it is hardly possible to reproduce the original “Russian Caravan Tea” taste.

 

However, tea merchants were so keen on re-inventing this legendary tea blend, that they decided to recreate it by artificial means. And they succeeded by mixing 3 different types of Chinese tea, namely Lapsang Souchong, Keemun and Oolong


Organic Lapsang Souchong Tea

Lapsang Souchong Tea


Keemun Tea

Keemun Tea


Organic Milk Oolong Tea

Milk Oolong Tea

Consequently, Russian Caravan tea taste is indeed remarkable. This tea owes its full-bodied taste to Keemun. On the other hand, Oolong gives it a touch of freshness, and Lapsang Souchong, in its turn, gives it a smoked flavour! What an unusual and exotic tea, isn’t it?

Given that Russian Caravan tea taste is extremely original, it would be best without any milk. Thus, you will have the opportunity to fully enjoy its extravagant taste.

Russian Caravan Tea is composed of different Chinese tea types. However, if you enjoy Loose Leaf Black Tea in general, feel free to discover our article entitled “What is Assam tea“, because Assam tea is the most popular type of Indian Black tea, and there are many interesting facts about it.

Now let us discover the health benefits of Russian Caravan Tea

 

Russian Caravan Tea Health Benefits

Russian Caravan is generally speaking a black tea. Although we cannot deny the presence of Oolong, which is closer to green tea, in it, 75% of its content is Chinese Black Tea! Therefore, it shares most of its health benefits with those of other types of Loose Leaf Black Tea.

What are they? Well, black tea contains a lot of antioxidants, mainly polyphenols, that are responsible for cancer prevention. In addition, polyphenols are very good for your skin, and make it look younger and fresher

Young skin

Other health benefits of different types of Black Tea (including Lapsang Souchong tea and Keemun Tea, present in Russian Caravan Tea) are the prevention of heart diseases

Most black tea types contain flavonoids, that are crucial for your cardiovascular system. These elements help eliminate bad cholesterol from your body, which helps blood transit and, therefore, reduces the risk of a heart attack or a stroke

Another great benefit of many black tea types is the fact that it improves your brain health. The thing is that black tea is quite high in caffeine (around 40 – 50 mg per cup). It is widely known that caffeine is known to stimulate the brain. It helps you concentrate, improves your memory, and also keeps your brain alert.

Therefore, a cup of Russian Caravan tea in the morning is more than welcome.

 

To cut a long story short, Russian Caravan Tea contains all the health benefits of Lapsang Souchong Tea, which is its main ingredient. Would you like to learn more about those? Then please refer to our article “8 Main Lapsang Souchong Tea Benefits”.

Moreover, Russian Caravan Tea contains some Oolong Tea. Actually, Oolong makes up 25% of Russian Caravan Tea! Therefore, in addition to all the above mentioned benefits, Russian Caravan Tea also has all the benefits of Oolong Tea

The main benefits, differing from those of black tea, are the following. Firstly, Oolong tea is good for lowering your blood sugar levels. Oolong tea is neither a black, nor a green tea, but it is definitely closer to the latter.

Green tea is known for eliminating sugars and bad cholesterol from your body. Therefore, Oolong tea shares this benefit!

osteoporosis

Another quite original benefit of Oolong tea is that it may improve your bone mineral density. Thus, your bones will be stronger, and you will be less exposed to fractures. In addition, it may prevent you from developing the osteoporosis.

Finally, a research has been made in Japan regarding the effect of Oolong tea on eczema treatment. And the results of this research were quite promising. People with eczemas who were drinking Oolong tea regularly got over their eczemas much quicker than those who did not drink this tea.

However, the greatest Russian Caravan Tea benefit is probably its originality and unique taste! This tea is definitely unforgettable! 


Russian Caravan Tea

Bedford Tea very proudly offers you our best Russian Caravan Tea! Bedford Tea delivers its finest loose leaf tea all over the UK. Therefore, if you are a UK resident, and fond of very elegant and original tea, Russian Caravan is your cup of tea! Enjoy!

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