Differences in tea culture in Azerbaijan and Turkey

The differences are in the tea leaves and flavors

Originally published on Global Voices

Image by Arzu Geybullayeva

One of the first things I noticed when I tasted Turkish tea for the very first time ages ago was how bitter it was. Now, having spent some twenty years living in this country, I always ask two things when ordering tea here — whether it has been freshly brewed, and whether they can make it lighter. Otherwise, the taste is too bitter for me. Back home, in Azerbaijan, the tea is bright and light.