For a country that is known to be a big beer drinker, it may come as a surprise that Germany is also a tea-drinking region. The Germans drink tea for its medicinal purposes, and much like the coffee-culture today, as collective social behavior. At one point in history, the Germans even fought for making tea widely available and accessible for the country. For a country with a long history of tea, it is ideal to shed a light on how Germany appreciates tea.
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History of the Tea Culture in Germany
Much like the coffee industry gained popularity in the late 1700s along the streets of Europe, only the elite and upper-class had access to tea. There was an especially popular area in Germany called East Frisia, where more people drank tea than beer. Besides being cheaper than beer, tea leaves were also abundant as it was grown locally. However, the Prussian monarchy was against the idea of allowing tea accessible to normal people and they tried banning tea drinking. The society began smuggling tea and hosting secret tea parties which led to the monarchy disbanding the anti-tea drinking policy.
During World War II, the demand for tea was so high that the supply could not keep up. The Germans had to look for local herbs that they can use as a substitute for making tea.
By the early 1900s, both coffee and tea had come down to household prices and everyone could enjoy having a cup any time of the day. Since then, coffee houses in Germany also serve the best tea variants and have become a regular part of their daily life.
Popular German Tea Brands
Meßmer
Meßmer (Messmer) has been one of Germany’s foundational tea shops since its inception in 1852. It started out with a black tea range based in Baden-Baden, and has expanded to almost any tea type of variant its customers may prefer today. Meßmer combines selected tea leaves only of the best quality to accustom to its client’s tastes. Both classical flavors and innovative mixes are present in its products, with the certainty of finding serenity and relaxation in a cup. Meßmer tea prides itself in its long and storied history, with the tea knowledge each generation has gained being passed down amongst its owners.
Dethlefsen & Balk
Dethlefsen & Balk, or more popularly known as D&B, is one of the oldest tea merchants in Germany. It acts as an importer, producer, and wholesaler of tea leaves and mixed blends towards wholesalers and specialized tea and coffee shops. They also manufacture and sell tea confectionery and accessories. Most of their products are tailored towards customer-friendly and personalized products, catering to each customer’s personal preferences and tastes. They also give expert counseling and are quite friendly and inviting towards both tea experts and beginners alike. D&B adopts the mindset of providing its customers the option to learn and purchase anything tea-related only from a single source.
Haelssen & Lyon
This tea company in Germany provides a gateway towards a global selection of tea varieties. Their inexhaustible international selection of teas is reflected in the wide range of tea and tea blends they offer to their consumers. The company sources its leaves from tea regions in the world ranging from well-known and established tea gardens, towards smaller and aspiring tea manufacturers. This way, even exotic-looking seasonal cultivated products are made available to the general populace. Even the strictest tea connoisseur would be hard-pressed to ask Haelssen & Lyon for a tea variety which they could not source for themselves.
J. Fr. Scheibler
J. Fr. Scheibler, or JFS tea company is one of the most well-known and modern manufacturers and providers of tea and tea-related products based in Hamburg, Germany. They take pride in the quality control of their products, despite the numerous global locations and cultures which they source their teas from. They maintain a permanent and personal contact with tea suppliers from every region, making sure they are part of the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of its products. In their own laboratories, JFS employs experienced tea tasters, using sensory analysis as the main comparison to rate the quality of its tea varieties. Any ones which pass through this initial testing undergo more specialized mechanical and chemical analysis to detect any undesirable traces such as pesticide and other chemicals, in all its tea products. This very thorough quality control method ensures that every cup of JFS tea which reaches your table is of the highest quality possible.
Teekampagne
Teekampagne, or Tea Campaign, is a rather new tea company and supplier in Germany compared to its competitors. The company started out in 1985 and has shown that advantageous trade is possible for both consumers and producers alike. Contrary to other tea companies, Teekampagne only restricts its range of teas to a selected few, but always maintains the highest quality possible with each and every one of them. They are able to sell these at low costs though, through the selling of bulk packs only, and avoiding any middlemen. The unusually low price of their products are a combination of saving up on material, storage, and service costs, offering world-class teas at budget-friendly prices. They have also championed fair-trade amongst suppliers and manufacturers for several decades now, making sure each one is given a fair share.
Thiele & Freese
One of the oldest tea companies in Germany, Thiele & Freese, was founded in 1873 and started through its founders doing personal business with tea manufacturers and producers. They purchased tea in person, visited the tea plantations regularly, and checked for quality in as far as Java or Sumatra, Amsterdam, or London. In modern times, the company, now more known as Thiele Tee, import, mix, pack, and distribute the highest quality tea varieties under its own brand. They cater to both tea beginners and seasoned connoisseurs, being able to maintain that exceptionally high quality of taste it prides itself for. They make sure to follow the East Frisian tradition in all its tea products, making it a matter of national pride in providing its customers with the best tea possible.
Teekanne
Teekanne is a tea company in Germany with over 125 years of history behind it. They pride themselves on their experience and know-how in tea making, as well as carrying a broad range of premium tea products. This includes both herbal and fruit teas, tea infusions, as well as the traditional black, green, and white tea varieties. Teekanne aligns itself with the tea health revolution of modern times, designing not only the best-tasting tea types but also the healthiest to the human body. Its products are free from added sugars, artificial additives, or preservatives. This strict adherence makes this tea company one of the best choices for the health-conscious tea drinker who has adopted a lifestyle of body and mind fitness and wellness.
Ostfriesische Tee Gesellschaft
Ostfriesische Tee Gesellschaft , or OTG, is a German tea company founded in 1907. It is from the tea-drinking capital in Germany, a genuine East Frisian product, where other well-known brands and labels have sprouted from. OTG specializes in private label tea which they produce for retail chains. Some of their retailers include Lord Nelson, Cornwall, Captains Tea, and Westcliff tea brands. This makes OTG one of the most prolific tea manufacturers to ever come out of East Frisia, known for making high-quality yet affordable tea types.
Most Popular Tea Types in Germany
Schwarztee (Black Tea)
In Western culture, when people talk about tea, they often refer to black tea. Many categories of tea drinks such as iced tea, afternoon tea, or sweet tea are made using black tea. This is in contrast to Eastern cultures wherein drinking tea often represents green tea. The main difference between the two types is that during the production process, black tea leaves are allowed to oxidize before they are heat-processed and dried. The oxygen interacts with the tea, producing the black color of the tea, as well as altering its flavor.
Kamillentee (Chamomile Tea)
This tea has long been used as a traditional herbal remedy for a wide range of health issues including treating diabetes, heart problems, and inflammation. Besides all these positive effects though, it is a tasty and refreshing tea with gentle notes of apple and honey. Once sipped, it comes with a smooth and silky mouthfeel, with a clean and floral aftertaste. The allure of chamomile tea comes from its ability to calm both the heart and the mind.
Fruchttee (Fruit Tea)
Fruit tea is technically not a tea in the strictest sense, but is more of an infusion. It is made from cut pieces of fruit and plants, which can be either fresh or dried. Despite not being produced in the traditional method for green and black teas, it is still one of the most popular tea types due to it not containing any caffeine, and because of its incredible taste from the real fruits, it makes fruit teas a great naturally sweetened beverage alternative. This is a popular choice amongst health-conscious consumers, as well as the younger crowd.
Hagebuttentee (Rosehip Tea)
Rose bushes have been used for thousands of years by ancient healers due to their health benefits coming from their leaves and berries. In particular, rosehip tea is made from the crushed berries, and primarily used to protect against illness and to maintain the body’s fitness and strength. Other herbs such as peppermint leaves or lemon could also be added to rosehip tea in order to make endless varieties to please even the strictest palate.
Pfefferminztee (Peppermint Tea)
Mint leaves have always been a popular herb found in many types of food and drinks. In particular, peppermint tea is specifically the most popular mint tea flavor. This tea has a calming and relaxing feel to it, due to the smell and taste of the mint. Not only that, it also comes loaded with antioxidants that help fight off inflammation in the body, which makes one feel more relaxed and at peace.
The tea culture in Germany has come a long way from being an exotic and expensive drink from the 17th century, towards being one present in many households in the country. The exotic varieties, exquisite tastes, and numerous health benefits make tea one of the most famous and preferred drinks by Germans of all ages.
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