A hot tradition

The North Sea island Borkum is known for its traditions and culture. Drinking East Frisian tea is also part of this. The East Frisian tea culture is officially part of Germany's intangible cultural heritage. After all, the East Frisians, including the BorkumThey drink about 300 liters per capita per year. This is more than in Great Britain or China, where many tea lovers live. By comparison, the average German drinks around 68 liters of tea annually (as of 2023).

East Frisian tea at any time

On Borkum There are several times of day when the tea can be consumed: early in the morning for breakfast, during the so-called "Elführtje" (a traditional tea) in the late morning, in the afternoon, or even at dinner. Genuine East Frisian tea is a blend of various black teas, such as Assam, Darjeeling, and Ceylon, and must be blended locally. Otherwise, it is simply an "East Frisian tea blend."

Traditionally, East Frisian tea is prepared in a pot that has been rinsed with hot water beforehand. 8 to 10 grams of tea are used for one liter of water (approx. 3 heaped teaspoons). Boiling water is poured over the loose tea leaves until they are covered. The tea is then left to steep for three to five minutes. Then top up with the remaining water. To keep the tea nice and warm, it is placed on a warmer.

The “East Frisian Rose” is the typical pattern for a traditional tea set.

Proper preparation

The East Frisians use small, thin-walled porcelain teacups to drink. These are traditionally decorated with the red "East Frisian rose" or blue flourishes. The Kluntje, or white sugar candy, is first added to the cup. The hot tea is poured over it, making the Kluntje crackle nicely. A small ladle of cream is then poured into the tea in an anti-clockwise direction. This is supposed to stop time while the tea is being enjoyed. This creates small Wulkjes, or clouds. Important: Stirring is not allowed. The first sip is with cream, then the pure tea, and at the end the sweetness of the Kluntje.

Three times is East Frisian law: So at least three cups of the delicious drink should be enjoyed. The small teaspoon is only used to place it in the cup and thus signal to the host that you do not want any more refills.

We drink tea together!

Over 400 years ago, the first tea leaves were shipped to Europe, and ever since, tea has been drunk in East Frisia. And it has remained so to this day. The tea season is celebrated in East Frisia, and of course also in Borkum, part of social life and a sign of hospitality. After all, tea is best enjoyed with others!

Who on Borkum once gladly a real tea ceremony If you would like to participate, you can do so at the Toornhuus.

There is even more information about East Frisian tea in the tea museums in Aurich and Leather, which can be used when traveling to or from Borkum could visit.