How to Make Traditional Frisian Tea

Everyone does tea a little bit differently. From its beginnings in China, tea has become a globally loved beverage that is the most highly consumed type of drink in the world—apart from water. It turns out Frisians drink the most tea—even more than the British. Learn more about the unique tradition around Frisian Tea and why it’s so delicious. And of course, learn how to make your own at home!

Who Are Frisians?

The Frisians are a Germanic ethnic group indigenous to the coastal parts of the Netherlands and northwestern Germany. If East Frisia were a country its annual per capita consumption of 300 liters would be the highest in the world, which make around 1270 cups of tea per person.

What is Traditional Frisian Tea?

Traditional Frisian tea is prepared in a unique manner by combining the following ingredients:

• Loose East Friesen tea blend (or a strong Assam blend)
• Soft water (boiled, then removed from the heat)
• Rock sugar
• Cream

The tradition itself is a tea ceremony of sorts. Tea time starts at around 3:00 pm but many Frisians don’t restrict themselves to this window and can be found enjoying the drink from morning until evening.

Dishes have been specially made to pay homage to the tea tradition, including porcelain dishes, delicate little spoons, and tongs for picking up sugar cubes. After you’re finished your tea, you can signal your last serving by flipping over your cup or placing the spoon inside.

What Does Frisian Tea Taste Like?

The loose leaf tea enjoyed in traditional Frisian tea is primarily a blend of Assam. This strong black tea is flavourful and packed with a punch. The idea of this tea recipe is to enjoy the flavours in layers. When you take your first sip, you are greeted with a  taste of black tea—sharp and strong. Next, your tongue is coated in the creamy dairy that has clouded the center of the cup. Finally, you are surprised by the sweet disintegration of the sugar cube.

How to Make Your Own Frisian Tea

You don’t have to make the trek to the remote islands in the German North Sea coast to enjoy Frisian tea (although we don’t discourage it). Pick up the following ingredients and use these step-by-step instructions to make your own.

Ingredients

• Loose East Friesen tea blend
• Soft water (boiled, then removed from the heat)
• Kandis rock sugar
• Cream
  
  

Instructions

1. Add the loose tea leaves to a pot in a diffuser of your choice. Use 1 tsp for every cup.
   
   
2. Fill the teapot halfway with the water, close the lid, and let the tea brew for about 3-4 minutes.
   
   
3. Fill the teapot completely with the remaining water and pour the tea into a serving pot.
   
   
4. Take out your full, real cream and a serving spoon.
   
   
5. Take out your Kandis Rock Sugar and servings tongs (or simply use a spoon).
   
   
6. Place a piece of rock sugar in the base of your teacup.
   
   
7. Pour the steeped black tea over the sugar. You should hear the sugar crackling in response.
   
   
8. Pour one teaspoon of full cream into the tea.
   
   
9. This is important: don’t stir the tea. Let the layers mix and mingle as you sip them. Enjoy this strong, creamy, and sweet blend!
   
   

Shop The East Frisian Tea Blend

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Sources:

Danver, Steven L. (10 March 2015). Native Peoples of the World: An Encyclopedia of Groups, Cultures and Contemporary Issues. Routledge. p. 307. ISBN 1317464001. Frisians are a Germanic people that reside in Germany and the Netherlands

Isensee, Nina-Kristin. (21 February 2016). Keeping Up With Tradition: The German East Frisian Tea Ceremony. Retrieved from https://foodal.com/drinks-2/tea/recipes-tea/keeping-up-with-tradition-the-german-east-frisian-tea-ceremony/