If you've yet to love and appreciate the chrysanthemum flower, then you're in for a double whammy as we also love chrysanthemum tea! A beautiful flower that's a staple in any vibrant bouquet, and which comes in a variety of colours, chrysanthemum flowers are another breed of pretty flowers that also translate well to tea when steeped and prepared properly.
One of the oldest flowers we know, its name is derived from the Greek chrysos, meaning 'golden', and anthemon meaning 'flower'. Although the name we use to call it today, along with 'mums' and 'chrysanths' may come from Greek, Chrysanthemums are native to East Asia and North-Eastern Europe and have been used for centuries for a variety of purposes. From being decorations and ornaments to the main ingredient in insecticides, these flowers have been beloved by many people over time.
Chrysanthemum Tea - Flavour and Profile
When brewed, chrysanthemum tea has a light golden hue and a slightly sweet and refreshing taste. Chrysanthemums are known to be packed with antioxidants, making chrysanthemum tea a healthy drink choice. The floral aroma of chrysanthemums is also captured in the tea, making it a soothing experience to drink.
How to make Chrysanthemum Tea from Fresh Flowers
The best way to make chrysanthemum tea from scratch is to, of course, use fresh flowers.
Step 1: Buy Fresh Chrysanthemums
You can find chrysanthemums in most supermarkets or florists, and they're usually sold in bunches. The chrysanthemums should be washed and dried before brewing the tea.
Step 2: Wash the Flowers
Wash the flowers gently under light running water or in a bowl. You can choose to pluck and use only the petals to make the tea or wash and try the entire flower.
When washing flowers, you can also wash the leaves that come with them and add that to your brew as well!
Step 3: Dry the Flowers (optional)
Now, this step is optional because some people prefer to have fresh flowers when brewing their tea rather than drying them, but in case you'd like some traditional dried flower ingredients for this tea, here's how to do it!
The drying process of petals involves removing most of the water from the petals and is done by spreading them out in a single layer on a cloth or paper towel. You can also use a food dehydrator if you have one. The petals should be dried for 12-24 hours in direct sunlight, or until they are stiff to the touch and no longer wet.
Step 4: Brew the tea!
There are many ways to make chrysanthemum tea - from a simple infusion of the petals to a more intricate process that includes the boiling of water and chrysanthemum petals. For a simple infusion, all you need are chrysanthemum flowers and water.
Once the chrysanthemums are dry, you can begin to make the tea. Place about two tablespoons of chrysanthemum petals in a teapot or teacup, and add boiling water. Allow the tea to steep for about three minutes, then strain and drink. You can drink chrysanthemum tea either hot or cold, depending on your preference. You can also experiment with the ratio of petals to water to see how strong you prefer your tea!
When you're picking chrysanthemums to make tea, make sure to select flowers that are brightly coloured and have a strong scent. You can also use chrysanthemum leaves to make tea, but the petals will give you the most flavour. If you can't find fresh chrysanthemums, you can also use dried chrysanthemum petals or purchase some ready-made chrysanthemum tea from Tea Life.
Fresh Vs Dried Chrysanthemum Flowers for Tea
When it comes to making chrysanthemum tea, some people swear by using fresh flowers while others find that the flavour and aroma of dried chrysanthemums are much more potent.
The main difference between using fresh and dried chrysanthemums is that when you use fresh flowers, you'll need to add more petals to get a stronger flavour. With dried chrysanthemums, you only need about two tablespoons for a cup of tea.
Another difference is that when you use fresh chrysanthemums, the steep time will be shorter - about three minutes compared to five to seven minutes for dried chrysanthemums.
So, if you're looking for a strong chrysanthemum flavour, go for the dried chrysanthemums. But if you want a tea that's subtly sweet and fragrant, try using fresh chrysanthemums! The extra benefit of dried flowers is that you can store them for longer as well.
At Tea Life, we're proud to store beautiful golden dried Chrysanthemum flowers for brewing tea, so if you'd like to see the difference, buy a pack and give it a try.
