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Black tea · Azerbaijani tea

Lankaran Black

Azerbaijani tea, Lenkoran tea

6.8/10 editor's score

Around 90% of Azerbaijan's tea is produced in Lankaran, close to the southern border with Iran. Tea was first grown in the region in the 1880s.

CaspianAzerbaijanGlass
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this teaCompare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dry leaf of Lankaran Black, top-down

What you need

2.5 g leafLankaran Black
250 ml water100°C
Steep 3:002 steeps
LiquorBright red-amber
Served inArmudu glass

At a glance

Around 90% of Azerbaijan's tea is produced in Lankaran, close to the southern border with Iran.

CaffeineMedium~30 to 50 mg, our estimate
Beginner fit8.0 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestSpring to autumnSpring to autumn.
Pairs withLemon, Sugar cubes, SweetsLess good with milk
Grown atCaspian lowlands and foothillsLankaran, Lankaran-Astara
Served inArmudu glassPear-shaped glass, with lemon and sweets

About Lankaran Black

What sources say about the taste

Sources cover its history and serving; the taste depends on the garden.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it grows

LankaranLankaran-AstaraAZERBAIJAN
Share
About 90% of Azerbaijan's tea 1
First grown
1880s 1
Factory
1896 1
Served in
Armudu, a pear-shaped glass 2

More from Lankaran and Azerbaijan.

History and culture

Novoselov planted the first experimental tea bushes in the Lankaran District and set up a tea factory in 1896 1.

By 1900 small experimental plantations had been set up in the area 1.

Black tea is commonly grown in the Lankaran District 1.

Editor's score

6.8/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the tea style, not a brand. How we score →

1086Flavour & complexity: 6.0Origin & heritage: 8.0Availability: 5.0Value: 7.0Beginner-friendliness: 8.0Versatility: 7.5Flavour 6.0Heritage 8.0Availability 5.0Value 7.0Beginners 8.0Versatility 7.5
Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg
Black tea (average)~47 mg
Lankaran Black~30 to 50 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg

Our estimate. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo ClinicC.

Harvest calendar

Our general guide for the Caspian coast. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

Camellia sinensis 1.

How it is made
02Withering

Softened.

03Rolling

Orthodox rolling.

04Oxidation

Full.

05Drying

Dried and sorted.

Dry leaf and liquor
Dry leafDark broken leaf.
LiquorBright red-amber.
After steeping
Wet leafBrown leaf.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Lemon
  • Sugar cubes
  • Sweets

Best avoided

  • Milk

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

  • Airtight, opaque tin or pouch, away from light, heat, moisture and strong smells.
  • Keep it out of the fridge unless fully sealed, to avoid condensation.
  • Most loose tea is at its best within a year. Note the harvest date on the tin.
Grades and fakes

Local leaf grades.

How to spot a poor or fake one

  1. Packers in Baku also blend imported Ceylon and Indian teas 1.
  2. Look for Lankaran on the pack.
FAQ
How is tea served in Azerbaijan?

Often in an armudu, a pear-shaped glass, with lemon, sugar and sweets 2.

Find it inBlack teasTeas from AzerbaijanLankaranCaspianAzerbaijanGlass

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Tea growing in Azerbaijan". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_growing_in_Azerbaijan
  2. Wikipedia, "Azerbaijani tea culture". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azerbaijani_tea_culture
  3. Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.