How does this tea differ from ordinary black or green tea? — Fermented Ivan Tea with Linden Blossom, 50 g — Jemeljanovskaya Biofactory

The main difference is the raw material: this drink is made from fermented leaves of fireweed (ivan-chai) and linden flowers, with no tea leaf (Camellia sinensis) at all. This means it contains no caffeine — unlike black and green tea, which contain it naturally.

Fermentation of the fireweed is the key step of production. Thanks to it the leaves acquire a deeper, rounder taste: the sharp grassiness goes away and a characteristic fruity-herbal profile appears. In richness the infusion resembles classic tea, but in taste and aroma it remains its own thing — without the astringency and tannins typical of the tea leaf.

Linden flowers add honey-floral notes and make the bouquet softer. The result is a delicate drink without sharp accents — a convenient alternative for those who want to cut down on caffeine or simply look for a different flavour experience in the cup.

It goes well with honey, lemon and home baking — or can be drunk without additions.