Iranian Gilan Green Tea
Green tea from the Caspian hills where Iranian tea began.
Gilan, on Iran's Caspian coast, is the center of Iranian tea, and Lahijan is its historic capital. Little has been published about how Iranian green tea tastes, so brew a small cup and judge it yourself. Brewed small at 80°C.
Sensory profile
Where it sits
That is 35 mg in one serving (5–6 oz cup (150–180 ml)), a concentration of 21.2 mg per 100 ml. The scale above ranks whole servings, and servings differ in size, so a larger drink can sit further right while being weaker cup for cup.
Editorial estimate, not a laboratory measurement
Related gear
| Brewing method | Samovar or Teapot |
|---|---|
| Brew ratio | 1:57 |
| Dose & yield | 2.9g → 165g |
| Grind size | Curled Leaf |
| Water temperature | 176°F / 80°C |
| Target brew time | 2–3 min |
| Serving | 5–6 oz cup (150–180 ml) |
What you need
- 2.9 g loose-leaf green tea
- 165 g filtered water at 80°C
Required gear
Step-by-step protocol
- 0:00Warm the pot with hot water and pour it away, so the brewing water does not lose heat to cold ceramic.
- 0:10Add 2.9 g of leaf to the pot or basket, leaving room for it to open.
- 0:20Pour 165 g of water at 80°C over the leaf and cover. Start the timer.
- 2:50Remove the leaf or decant completely. Leaf left in the pot keeps extracting and turns the last cup bitter.
What it may be good for
The caffeine count
We list about 35 mg for a 5 to 6 oz (150 to 180 ml) cup, made with a generous dose of leaf.
Sugar on the side
In Iran the sweetness often comes from a sugar cube held in the mouth, not from stirring sugar in. Try it that way to keep the tea itself light and clear.
What to watch out for
- Caffeine affects everyone differently. If you are pregnant or nursing, sensitive to caffeine, or have been told to limit it, check with your doctor about how much tea is right for you.
Gilan, on Iran's Caspian coast, is the center of Iranian tea, and Lahijan is its historic capital. Little has been published about how Iranian green tea tastes, so brew a small cup and judge it yourself. Brewed small at 80°C.
Origin & Story
Iranian tea has a clear starting date. In 1899 Prince Mohammad Mirza, known as Kashef al-Saltaneh, who was born in Lahijan, brought tea saplings from India, reportedly about 3,000 of them from Kangra in the north, and began growing them near the Caspian. At the time most of the tea Iran drank was imported from India, and the government wanted to be self-sufficient. An earlier attempt with seeds in 1882 had failed.
Kashef al-Saltaneh is remembered as the father of Iranian tea. His mausoleum in Lahijan stands beside the Iran National Tea Museum.
Almost all Iranian tea comes from Gilan and Mazandaran, along the Caspian Sea, with Lahijan the historical capital of the industry, and the humid coastal climate suits tea well. Iranian tea is usually brewed in a samovar and drunk from small glasses, with sugar cubes or rock candy rather than milk, and green tea is made around Lahijan too.
Iranian green tea is hardly ever reviewed, so let the first small cup tell you what it is like. This page is written for a small cup of 150 to 180 ml, with about 3 g of leaf per 200 ml of water at 80°C for two to three minutes, in a teapot or small glass.
Reading the Flavor Profile
| Axis | Score |
|---|---|
| Sweetness | 65/100 |
| Acidity | 30/100 |
| Bitterness | 25/100 |
| Body | 45/100 |
| Aroma | 70/100 |
These values are comparative editorial positions within our own catalog, calibrated so entries can be ranked against each other. They are not laboratory measurements.
How much caffeine is in Iranian Gilan Green Tea?
One serving, 5–6 oz cup (150–180 ml), contains approximately 35 mg of caffeine.
What temperature should I use for Iranian Gilan Green Tea?
Target 80°C (176°F).
How long should Iranian Gilan Green Tea be extracted?
Timing: 2–3 min. Method: Samovar or Teapot. Ratio: 3–4g per 200ml water. Grind or leaf format: Curled Leaf.
Who brought tea to Iran?
Prince Mohammad Mirza, known as Kashef al-Saltaneh, who was born in Lahijan, is credited with introducing tea cultivation in 1899, using saplings brought from India.
Where is Iranian tea grown?
Almost all of it in Gilan and Mazandaran, along the Caspian Sea, with Lahijan the historic capital of the industry.
Who should avoid Iranian Gilan Green Tea?
Caffeine affects everyone differently. If you are pregnant or nursing, sensitive to caffeine, or have been told to limit it, check with your doctor about how much tea is right for you. This information is educational and is not medical advice. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, managing a cardiac or gastrointestinal condition, or taking prescription medication, discuss caffeine and botanical intake with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes.
What people say
Borosilicate Glass Teapot with Infuser
In this recipe: Teapot with room for the leaf to open
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