This Chinese Flower Tea is a remarkable handmade creation. When brewed, the outer White Tea leaves burst open to reveal a stunningly red chrysanthemum flower. To best enjoy this Flowering Tea, we recommend using a glass vessel so that one can appreciate its true majesty. This incredible Flowering Tea, also known as Treasure Tea and Blooming Tea, is as beautiful in taste as it is in appearance. It originates from the Fujian province of China (similar to most Flowering Teas), where experienced workers can make up to 400 of these Teas a day! Chrysanthemum Flower China is home to 17 different species of chrysanthemum. Two of the most used species, Chrysanthemum indicum and Chrysanthemum morifolium, grow predominantly in the provinces of Anhui, Gansu, Henan, Jiangxi, Shaanxi and Zhejiang. The Chongyuan Festival (also called the Double Ninth Festival, referring the lunar calendar) in China celebrates the chrysanthemum flower. In particular, this festival highlights the significance of the flower through an enchanting, age-old tale. The story revolves around a young man named Huan Jing who lived in a village near the River Ru, Henan province. One fateful day, his village suffered from a horrendous plague brought on by a demon living in the nearby waters. Huan tragically lost his parents to the disease. In his anger, he decided to seek help from an immortal sage to find out how to kill the beast. He travelled great distances to reach the sage, who in turn told the young man how to fight the demon. Huan Jing also discovered that the monster would return to the village waters on the ninth day of the ninth month. Time was of the essence. Huan returned home. He instructed his fellow villages to climb up a nearby mountain and bring with them dogwood leaves and chrysanthemum liquor. As the monster emerged from the water, the scent of the flowery wine made the creature dizzy. At that moment, the young man killed the beast with a single strike from his sword. Today, the magnificent Chongyuan Festival honours all things made from chrysanthemum flowers. This includes Chrysanthemum Wine (like the wine that killed the beast), Chrysanthemum Flower Tea and, of course, this Flowering Tea, also! White Tea This Flowering Tea wouldn’t be the same without the White Tea leaves that surround it. Indeed, White Tea puts the ‘Tea’ in Flowering Tea! It comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, like any other ‘real’ Tea. However, White Tea is the least processed. This processing (or, rather, lack of), coupled with its very short oxidation period, results in a brew that is unmistakably delicate and very fresh. Contrary to popular belief, the name ‘White Tea’ does not come from the light liquor it produces. Instead, it stems from the silvery pekoe (hairs or dust) that grow on the unopened buds of the Tea leaf used in its making. Type of Tea: Flowering Tea (White Tea). Origin: China. How to Brew Brewing Instructions: Brew using water at a temperature of approximately 90 degrees while watching the Tea flower unfold. Some choose to brew it several times. How to Serve: This beverage tastes best as it is. Tasting Notes: Expect delicate tastes with refined floral notes. Colour in Cup: Pale Green liquor with yellow highlights, light in tone. Benefits of Flowering Tea The fluoride found in White Tea has a high bioavailability, which can prevent cavities. It’s important to note, however, that research published in the “Dental Research Journal” has suggested that only 34% of fluoride in White Tea remains after brewing. It may not sound like a lot, but it could be enough to avoid a trip to the dentist!
