Have you ever had a cup of tea that not only tantalizes your taste buds, but also provides a visual spectacle?
Discover the magical world of flower tea, a unique type of tea that comes to life in your teacup. Read on and discover why this enchanting drink is more than just a tasty thirst quencher.
What is Flower Tea?
Flower tea, also known as blooming tea, consists of a bundle of dried tea leaves wrapped around one or more dried flowers.
These bundles are made by tying tea leaves and flowers together into a ball and then drying it.
When the tea is steeped, the bundle unfolds in a way that mimics a blooming flower, with the flowers appearing in the center.
Why Flower Tea?
Flower tea in its current form was developed in China in the 1980s and became popular in Western countries in the early 2000s.
Flower tea is not only a pleasure for the taste, but also a visual spectacle. Here are some reasons why flower tea is so loved:
- Aesthetic Experience : The process of unfolding the tea leaves and blooming the flower in the center is a visually appealing experience. This makes drinking flower tea a more ceremonial and enjoyable activity.
- Taste and Aroma : The combination of tea leaves and flowers results in a unique, complex taste and a wonderful aroma. This offers a refined tea drinking experience that goes beyond regular black or green tea.
- Reusability : One of the practical advantages is that the bundles can usually be reused two or three times without the tea becoming bitter. This makes it both economical and environmentally friendly.
- Health benefits : Many of the flowers used, such as jasmine and chrysanthemum, have additional health benefits. For example, they can help reduce stress and improve digestion.
- Gift Option : Due to its unique and elegant presentation, floral tea is also a popular gift item, ideal for special occasions and holidays.
Because of these versatile benefits, flower tea offers a unique and enriching experience for tea lovers.
Which Flowers Can You Use?
The most common flowers used in flower teas are:
- Globe amaranth
- Chrysanthemum
- Jasmine
- Lily
- Hibiscus
- Osmanthus
These flowers are usually purchased from the Yunnan province in China.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Flower Tea a Real Tea?
Flower tea is not a traditional tea in the sense that it does not come from the Camellia sinensis plant. It is an artistic form of tea that contains both tea leaves and flowers.
Which Flower is Best for Floral Tea?
The choice of flower depends on personal preference, but commonly used flowers include jasmine, chrysanthemum and globe amaranth for their taste and aesthetic appeal.