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Did you know that tea is the second most popular beverage worldwide, right after water? It's important to note the annual consumption of 300 liters per person in the East Frisian region of Germany. This certainly invites a closer look at the role of tea in German culture. Here, we’ll explore which tea varieties Germans prefer and why.
The Crowd Favorites: Herbal and Fruit Teas
According to the German Tea Association, herbal and fruit tea blends are the most popular in Germany. This isn't surprising given the endless variety of flavors available. Black tea comes in second place. Pure herbal teas, such as peppermint, are also highly favored, while green tea ranks fourth in popularity.
It’s essential to distinguish between "real tea" and herbal or fruit infusions. "Real tea" comes from the tea plant Camellia Sinensis. Depending on the processing, you get different types: white, yellow, green, oolong, black, and Pu-erh tea. Everything else is technically an infusion, even though terms like "herbal tea" or "fruit tea" are widely used in everyday language.
Everybody's Darling: Refreshing Peppermint
In Germany, the undisputed queen among herbal infusions is peppermint. No tea shelf is complete without this versatile plant, which has claimed a permanent spot in countless households. Its refreshing flavor delights in every season—whether served piping hot in winter or ice-cold on warm summer days.
Its aroma is a true sensory treat. It unfolds with a fresh, clear scent accompanied by a subtle, sweet note. This perfect balance between freshness and softness makes peppermint a reliable companion at any time of day. Whether enjoyed as a delightful start to the morning or a soothing end to the evening, peppermint consistently amazes with its multifaceted flavor, inviting you to relish every sip as a small moment of pleasure.
More Varieties: Diverse Flavors from Nature
In Germany, there is a wide range of teas that delight tea lovers. Besides peppermint, chamomile, rooibos, fennel, and fruity berry teas are also quite popular. These delicious infusions are naturally caffeine-free, offering delightful experiences for young and old tea enthusiasts alike.
Chamomile tea pleases us with its unmistakably mild flavor and a delicate apple note, often associated with moments of relaxation and calm. It’s the perfect companion when you wish to treat yourself to something soothing. Rooibos, on the other hand, stands out with its gentle, sweet taste, complemented by fine, nutty notes. Fennel tea is valued for its mildly spicy aroma, a true all-rounder in German kitchens, while berry teas impress with their sweet-and-tart flavor. Whether with blackcurrant, strawberry, or elderberry, their vibrant cup colors make every teatime a visual and flavorful feast.
Black Tea: A Timeless Classic for Every Teapot
Among the "real teas," black tea is the most popular in Germany. This preference is shared by many other Western countries. Black tea made its way to Europe in the 17th century, and today it remains one of the most consumed types. The leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant are fully oxidized in its production, giving the tea its dark color. This is the same chemical process that causes an apple to brown when sliced and left exposed to air.
Black tea offers a remarkable variety of flavors. Depending on the type, the taste can range from light and floral to robust and malty. In Germany, black tea has secured a place in daily life: Many enjoy it as an alternative to morning coffee or as a harmonious pairing with afternoon cake. Adding milk and sugar is also popular, giving the tea a creamy, sweeter character. This preparation method combines indulgence with coziness, turning each cup of black tea into a little ritual reminiscent of English tea time.
Earl Grey
Earl Grey—a noble name that conjures images of elegant British tea times. This iconic tea is known for its distinctive aroma, characterized by the extraordinary citrus fruit, bergamot. With each sip, this tea introduces a touch of British tradition to everyday life. The robust, malty black tea serves as the perfect base, allowing the refreshing citrus aroma of bergamot to shine through. This harmonious combination makes Earl Grey so unique and beloved far beyond the borders of Great Britain. Whether enjoyed pure or with a splash of milk, Earl Grey delights tea drinkers worldwide with its unparalleled charm.
English Breakfast Tea
The strong flavor and natural caffeine content of this breakfast blend make it the perfect choice for the morning. To create an English Breakfast Tea, several black tea varieties are carefully blended. There is no one right recipe, but it often includes teas from Indian Assam, Sri Lanka, China, and Kenya. Together, these teas offer a captivating world of robust, malty flavors with complex notes of citrus and honey. With a bit of sugar and a splash of milk, English Breakfast Tea offers a delicious cup to start your day.
Green Tea: Fresh Flavors on Trend
Green tea is becoming increasingly popular in Germany. It represents the largest tea family with unparalleled versatility. Green teas transport you to the traditional tea landscapes of Japan and China, where centuries-old craftsmanship meets passionate tea culture. This type of tea captivates with its fresh, mildly tart flavor, cherished by tea enthusiasts worldwide.
The art of preparation plays a crucial role in avoiding unwanted bitterness: It’s important to steep the tea at a low water temperature, around 140 to 160°F (60 to 70°C), for a brief time. This allows the delicate aromas to develop and the tea to show its best side. This careful handling of the fine leaves ensures that the subtle flavor notes are perfectly accentuated, making each cup a harmonious experience.
Matcha: The Trendsetter of Teas
Matcha, a drink with a rich history, has its roots deeply embedded in the Japanese tea ceremony. Today, this green marvel is celebrated in the Western world as a genuine lifestyle drink. From trendy coffee houses to elegant tea salons, matcha has found its way into the hearts and cups of many tea enthusiasts.
The finely ground green tea powder is a true chameleon: It showcases its versatility whether enjoyed traditionally as a pure delight, in a creamy matcha latte, or as a mysterious ingredient in various desserts. Its vibrant green color is an eye-catcher, sparking curiosity all on its own!
Its intense umami flavor treats the palate with a unique depth and complexity, complemented by a good dose of caffeine—comparable to coffee, which can enhance your concentration and alertness. Thus, matcha not only invites you to explore new taste experiences but also provides a glimpse into the rich Japanese tea culture.
Floral Lightness: From Oolong to Jasmine Tea
Floral teas like jasmine tea and oolong varieties also enjoy high popularity among Germans. These types are not only a feast for the senses but also a fascinating chapter in the world of teas. Oolong, on the oxidation scale between green and black tea, surprises with an aromatic diversity that delights even the most discerning tea drinkers.
Particularly noteworthy is the origin of many oolongs: They are cultivated in high-altitude mountain regions where the climate is characterized by cooler temperatures and abundant rainfall. These special climatic conditions give the teas a distinct lightness and floral notes characteristic of oolongs.
Jasmine tea, on the other hand, captivates with its enchanting fragrance, reminiscent of blooming spring days. Green or white tea is delicately scented with jasmine flowers, creating a harmonious bouquet. These floral teas bring a gentle softness to everyday life, transforming every tea time into a moment of quiet elegance. They invite you to momentarily forget the hustle of everyday life.
A Look into German Tea Culture
Tea is highly appreciated in Germany. While beer and coffee remain popular, tea has claimed a firm spot in the hearts and on the tables of the Germans. Tea is an essential part of German households, whether enjoyed during a relaxing afternoon or as a soothing companion in the evening.
Popular Tea Rituals: A Journey Across Germany
Regionally, Germany boasts diverse tea traditions and preferences. Particularly noteworthy is the East Frisian tea culture, which celebrates tea drinking in a unique way. In East Frisia, tea enjoyment holds significant importance, and the region proudly asserts one of the highest tea consumption rates in the world. For East Frisians, tea is not just a beverage, but a part of their cultural identity. East Frisian tea sessions are a refined ritual, where a special blend of black tea is served with Kluntje (rock sugar) and a cloud of cream dubbed “Wulkje.” It's an opportunity to leave the daily grind behind and linger in good company. And with this tradition, East Frisians clock in at an impressive 300 liters per person annually.
Germany: A Nation of Tea Lovers? A Global Comparison
On a global scale, Germany may not top the list of tea-drinking nations, but it is nevertheless remarkable in its love for tea: In 2023, Germans consumed 68.2 liters of tea per capita. This includes 40.5 liters of herbal and fruit teas and 27.7 liters of black and green tea.
Countries such as the United Kingdom, China, and India have deep-rooted tea traditions, but enthusiasm for tea in Germany is steadily growing. In this diversity and openness to various tea cultures, Germany emerges as a nation of tea aficionados, curious and ready to discover and celebrate the boundless possibilities of the tea world.
What the Future Holds: Exciting Trends from the Tea World
The tea world is constantly evolving. Have you ever tried Cold Brew? In this preparation method, you steep your tea with cold water and let it sit for a few hours in the refrigerator. It works particularly well with pure tea—revealing entirely new facets of flavor, as the cold water extracts gentler aromas than hot water. During the warm months, Cold Brew offers tea lovers a refreshing cool-down.
Another emerging trend is tea-infused mocktails. Mocktails are alcohol-free cocktails, available in numerous combinations. By adding tea, you can enrich your drink with a wide range of notes, be it with robust black tea, refreshing green tea, or diverse herbal infusions. Your creativity knows no bounds here!
