I founded Black Gold Persian Tea to solve a problem I had lived with for a very long time. For years I waited for someone else to solve it, until I finally grew tired of waiting and decided to do it myself. I would make a tea for Persians, because no one was making Persian tea the right way.
A glass that says "please stay"
I brew tea every day and drink it throughout the day. And, in true Persian fashion, I pour tea for everyone who comes to my home, without ever asking whether they would like some. Anyone who has visited my home knows I always serve the best tea. You may believe you are not a tea drinker, until you taste mine.
It is part of our culture. To pour tea for someone is to say, please stay a while. It is more than a ritual. It is our culture, and our way of showing guests that they are always welcome in our home and that we want them to stay. When someone is about to leave, I offer them tea. It is the last reason to stay.
How I brew it
I always brew in a true samovar, never with a teapot and kettle on the stove, which burns the tea before the leaf has released its full flavor. I place about 3 heaped teaspoons (12 g) of tea in the teapot, set it on top of the samovar, and bring the water to a boil. Once the water reaches 212°F, I lift the teapot from the samovar and pour the boiling water over the leaves. As I pour, I rotate the teapot so the water reaches every leaf at the same time, rather than striking a single spot. When the water rises half a finger above the leaves, I stop.
I then refill the samovar, return the teapot to its place on top, and let the water come to a boil once more. After 10 to 15 minutes, I help myself to a glass.
A tea that is hard to go back from
I have offered my tea to many people, and some of them are quite upset with me, because I have ruined tea for them. They loved mine so much that they can no longer drink the tea they used to drink. Even a coffee drinker who once told me, "I hate tea, I never drink it," tried my tea and said, "Amir, this is something else. I would definitely drink this tea."
I have held tastings with a great many Persians, and almost all of them loved it and wanted to buy it.
The first batch
The first batch ships on November 11, and I must admit it will be a limited release. Many of my tasters have already placed pre-orders, so please do not miss out. It is going fast. Reserve yours here.
Made for every Persian
I made this tea for my Persian community. I love all of you, whatever kind of Persian you are. I love every one of you equally, regardless of your religion, political views or background, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart.
Amir
Founder, Black Gold Persian Tea