Caykur Tea

Rize is on the north side of the range of mountains that run along the Black Sea coast. Overlooking the sea this is the wettest corner of Turkey and Rize is the country's largest producer of tea. The province is mainly rural and very attractive with its mountain valleys and elevated yaylas (meadows). The settlements here are traceable to 260BC.

Upon departure from a long visit with the Governor and his minions (always wanted to use that word) we headed out for tea with the wives of the mayors. Meeting at their offices downtown (they have a womens group that raises money to further the education of promising young women and promote wellness and awareness of social issues impacting women). We were actually served Turkish coffee (which I detest, but drank it anyway) and delicious chocolate (which I went back for thirds...it really cut the taste of the coffee). The women gave us many gifts and we took MORE pictures! Then off to have Tea with the president of the Caykur Tea Company, Genel Müdürmüz Sayın Ekrem Yüce'yi.

When we arrived at the tea garden the president and his wife were waiting at a vast table set up just for us...everyone in the gardens knew who he was and so thought we were VERY SPECIAL GUESTS INDEED! After the introductions (remember? I told you about them...) he taught us all about the tea production, sales, research, and export. We tasted each type of tea as he told about it, it was Heaven! Then the womens group showed up...with food...lots of it. So we had to eat again (yeah!). Then it was time to tour the grounds, research labs, and tea tree farm. I LOVED this. I love Turkish Tea! Now I have a greater understanding of the process from the plant in Rize, Turkey to my cup here in Fort Worth.