How does this drink differ from ordinary black or green tea? — Ivan tea with rosehip, 100 g - Vitateka

The main difference lies in the ingredients: this blend contains no leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis), which means it also contains none of the caffeine found in black and green tea. The drink is based on fermented fireweed (ivan-chai), which resembles tea in the look of the dry leaves and the colour of the infusion but is a completely different plant.

Fermentation gives fireweed a deeper, rounder aroma and a dark infusion — unlike most herbal blends, which produce a pale or greenish infusion with a pronounced “grassy” character. Fermented fireweed tastes softer and fuller, without the bitterness typical of over-steeped black tea.

The rosehip in the blend adds a tartness and a berry note that you will find neither in classic tea nor in pure ivan-chai. This makes the flavour profile livelier and richer without any added flavourings.

If you are looking for a warm drink for the evening or want to vary your usual tea ritual with something caffeine-free, this blend can be a suitable alternative. That said, it is not a substitute for a balanced diet and is not presented as a medicinal product.