<P> By the end of the 18th century, tea prices had moderately declined . The first local tea plant was set in Nikitsk botanical gardens in 1814, while the first industrial tea plantation was established in 1885 . The tea industry did not take off until World War I, and greatly expanded following World War II . However, by the mid 1990s, tea production came to a standstill . Today, the main area in Russia for tea production is in the vicinity of Sochi . </P> <P> Traditionally, black tea is the most common tea in Russia, but green tea is becoming more popular . </P> <P> Traditional tea in Russia includes the traditional type known as Russian Caravan as it was originally imported from China via camel caravan . As the trip was very long, usually taking as long as 16 or 18 months, the tea acquired its distinctive smoky flavor from the caravan's campfires . Today, this tea is often given its smoky flavor after fermentation or is a keemun or a "black or oolong from China or Formosa (Taiwan) with a hint of smoky Lapsang Souchong or Tarry Souchong ." </P> <P> A notable feature of Russian tea culture is the two - step brewing process . Firstly, tea concentrate called zavarka (Russian: заварка) is prepared: a quantity of dry tea sufficient for several persons is brewed in a small teapot . Then, each person pours some quantity of this concentrate into the cup and mixes it with hot water; thus, one can make one's tea as strong as one wants, according to one's taste . Sugar, lemon, honey or jam can then be added freely . </P>

In place of milk what is added to russian tea