From the delicate ceremonies dedicated it to the elaborate containers used to serve it, tea has always been about elegance. Presentation was always an important aspect of tea that heightened the tea experience. But in addition to the rich colors of the beverage and fine vessels that deliver that fine elixir to the weary soul, did you know that flowers can be incorporated into the presentation and flavor of tea? That is where Blooming Teas come in.

What is Blooming Tea?

Blooming Tea (or Flowering Tea) is a small ball of tea that opens when placed in water. It originates in China, most blooming teas coming from the Yunnan province in the south. Skilled artisans pick the tea leaves and form them into a ball while the leaves are still fresh and malleable. The leaves are usually formed around a flower, however occasionally, the artisan will simply arrange the tea into a flower shape without a flower. The ball can be formed into various shapes (including globes, rosettes, or even peach shapes) and tied and sewn together using cotton thread. The tea ball then goes through the same process of tea production as its unsewn counterparts.

Blooming Tea is not limited to one type of tea: green, white, oolong, and even black teas are often used by blooming tea artisans. In addition to the varieties of tea used, there are even more flowers that are used in blooming tea: chrysanthemums, jasmine, lilies, and even hibiscus among others are chosen to bloom alongside the tea leaves.

How Do You Brew Blooming Tea?

Brewing Blooming Tea is an easy and rewarding process. Because presentation of the leaves themselves is a crucial factor in blooming tea, a clear container that can handle hot water (typically glass teapots or cups) is recommended. The water should be brewed anywhere from 175 degrees Fahrenheit to boiling, taking care that the temperature of the water used does not burn the leaves; In general, green tea is the most delicate and brews in lower temperatures; oolong and white teas are sturdy enough to handle warmer water; and black teas are the hardiest and can handle boiling water.

There are two brewing methods. One is to fill the clear container with the hot water and then drop the blooming tea ball into it: this prevents the force of the water from opening the tea ball prematurely. The other more common method is to place the tea ball in the clear container and slowly pour the water on top: pouring the water too quickly on the tea ball could prevent it from sinking to the bottom of the tea pot for the full effect. Once the hot water and tea ball are in the pot, brew for 3 - 5 minutes and enjoy the show.

Once the tea is done brewing, remove the now bloomed bud from the container to avoid over steeping and enjoy your beverage. You may brew the tea 2 to 3 times or place it in a decorative container with cold water to enjoy as a centerpiece.

What Does It Taste Like?

Depending on the tea used in the ball, the brewing time, and the number of times the tea has been brewed, flowering tea can have a light or a strong (but not overpowering) flavor. In addition to the flavor of the tea, the essence of the flower lingers in the taste, almost like smelling a fresh bouquet. Green or White blooming teas may have a more pronounced floral flavor while black teas may have a stronger tea flavor.

From the beauty of the blooming process or the simple floral taste of the brew, Blooming Tea will delight both the veteran tea connoisseur and the beginning tea novice. In both taste and presentation, you will experience a new and elegant way to brew tea. Heat up some water and enjoy the show.

Try all 3 of our Blooming Teas as a set, or order each on their own!