Saturday, September 16, 2017

Blooming Tea - Flowering Tea

In the center of our table at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City was a wine goblet that held an artisan tea - a blooming tea. When the hostess poured hot water on the tightly rolled ball in the goblet, it slowly began to unfurl, and it caught Cedar's attention. Finally - something tea related that was worthy of the attention of a 14 year old! 
Blooming teas, or flowering teas are meticulously hand crafted using dried tea leaves and flowers. They are crafted into a tight little ball, stitched together in just the perfect way, that once water is added, they slowly open and create a beautiful display flower. Obviously, these flowering teas are best enjoyed with a clear glass tea pot or goblet.
Not only is it a floral display, or centerpiece in this case, but it is a delicate green tea that can be sipped and enjoyed. Typically created by the artisans of Yunnan, China, flowers that are commonly found in blooming teas include globe amaranth, chrysanthemum, jasmine, lily, and hibiscus.  Another example of a blooming tea (one that we sampled while visiting a tea shop in NY) can be seen in this blog post.

1 comment:

Marilyn Miller said...

I always think these blooming teas are so pretty, but haven't found one I really like to drink. I love using them as a centerpiece. Must remember that the next time I have a tea party.