Flowering Tea

Flowering Tea (also known as Flower Tea, Treasure Tea and Blooming Flower Tea) is a carefully handmade creation. It is the product of dried flowers placed within a delicate layer of sewn Green or White Tea.

Workers typically roll them into ball-shapes, which, when placed in hot water, unfold while showing the striking flower within. The sight alone is enough to marvel at. And then there’s its great taste.

The practice reportedly originates from Yunnan Province, China, a region better known to many as the home of Pu erh Tea. However, others believe it started in Fujian Province. What is most bizarre, perhaps, is that a debate persists around when the concept first came into existence. While some historians believe it occurred during the 10th century, contemporary sources claim it was as recently as the 1980s.

So-called Flowering Tea bulbs take years of experience and perseverance to perfect. Common flowers used in their making are Lilies, Chrysanthemums and Jasmine Flowers. Artisans start the process by getting the finest White or Green Tea, which they sew into the fresh flowers before wrapping them in cotton yarn and firing. More flavours might be added before baking a further five times.

A dutiful worker can create up to 400 Flower Tea balls a day. It is then up to you to buy from The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company, ready for brewing. We’ll talk more about how to brew Tea Flowers further below. What we’ll say now is that it is best to invest in a glass vessel so you can witness the majesty of its unfurling. But a question remains unanswered: Is there caffeine in Tea Flowers?

Caffeine is a stimulating chemical compound that, quite frankly, needs little introduction. It famously gets us out of bed in the morning due to the energy kick it provides upon consumption. While the likes of Jasmine Flowers and Chrysanthemum Tea don’t contain caffeine in their own right, the Tea leaves included do. The next question, therefore, is how much caffeine can you expect?

Black Tea, which is rarely used when making Flowering Tea, contains the most with 45-mg per 8-oz cup. Next is Oolong with 35-37-mg. Finally, we’re heading into familiar territory with Green Tea, which has around 30-mg, and White Tea (the least processed type), which has 15-mg. The latter two varieties have the least amount of the stimulant, making them an excellent choice should you need to cut down.

What they lack in caffeine, they make up for in health benefits. This is because both Green and White Tea boast an abundance of vitamins, minerals and other antioxidants.

These chemical compounds combined work on a molecular level to slow oxidative stress in the body. The result is that, when enjoyed as part of a healthy and active lifestyle, your cuppa reduces the risk of developing several chronic conditions.

And the flowers, too, might help. Modern scientific evidence indicates that Chrysanthemum Tea Benefits, for instance, can, among other qualities, boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.

Meanwhile, Jasmine Flowers, when served as a Herbal Tea, improve digestion and even promote weight loss. The bottom line is that Flower Tea not only looks great; it makes you feel great as well!

We’ve come to the moment you’ve been waiting for: How to brew Tea Flowers. We’ve mentioned it already, but we’ll say once more that you’ll almost certainly want a glass vessel.

This is because you’ll want to observe what’s happening within, as, put simply, it is exquisite. The good news is that the instructions are relatively straightforward once you have everything to hand.

1. Place the Tea Flower ball into the bottom of a glass Teapot, cup or mug.
2. Pour freshly boiled water left to cool to temperatures between 75 and 80°C.
3. Watch the Flowering Tea bulb unfurl into a beautiful bloom.
4. Once the spectacle has concluded, serve yourself a cup of Tea from the liquor.

How to Serve: Consider adding honey or lemon. Alternatively, serve without additions.