Tea Blog Menu

If there was a beauty pageant for tea, blooming tea would be the winner. It wouldn’t need to talk about saving the world, or had an interesting degree. Its beauty would be enough to conquer the world. In fact, it is doing so at the moment.

Until recently blooming tea was a mystery. Although its history is still unknown, its future looks brighter than ever. How much do you know about blooming tea? Have you already tried one? In this article we will explore types of blooming teas, its health benefits, difference between flower tea and flowering tea, and explain the proper brewing.

What is blooming tea?

Blooming tea is a masterfully bundled ball of tea leaves and flowers that “bloom” when placed in hot water. Blooming tea comes from China, mostly Yunnan or Fujian. Both Yunnan and Fujian are important producers of Chinese white tea. Blooming tea is usually made with green, white or black tea, although white is the most common one. The choice of flowers is very versatile. From small and fragrant jasmine, beautiful globe amaranth and traditional chrysanthemum to tiny osmanthus. All of them are traditional Chinese flowers, often used in Traditional Chinese medicine.

What are other names for blooming tea?

The other popular name for blooming tea is flowering tea. Placed in hot water tea balls expand into little arrangements with a flower in the middle, resembling a bouquet. Before specialty tea became widely available, artisan tea was the name commonly linked to blooming tea. Over the last few years this term became widely applicable to different loose leaf teas, not only the blooming ones. Today, artisan teas are all specially crafted small-batch teas, but this name is still more than suitable for handmade blooming tea.

The other names for blooming tea are art tea, display tea, craft tea, artistic tea and flower tea. However, don’t confuse flower tea with pure flower teas. In fact, flowering tea is a part of flower tea category.

The history of blooming tea

History of blooming tea is still uncertain. Some argue it has appeared only recently, about 20 years ago. Many sources say Yunnan is the home of blooming tea. Yunnan has a long history in compressing tea, which might have been a good trigger for produce this unique style. Others say the history might be long, although there is no real evidence. Even in China, blooming tea is quite a new trend. It is so new that many Chinese people still didn't hear about it. As Dana Scully would say, the truth is out there.

What is a Chinese flowering tea ball?

China is a kingdom of tea shapes. Mushroom, witches’ broom, melon seeds, eyebrow, heart, sparrow’s tongue - you name it, and Chinese growers and producers undoubtedly know how to make it. Chinese flowering tea ball is a small ball up to approximately 2 cm in diameter. Leaves are tightly wrapped, with at least one flower inside. The most common shapes for flowering tea are bulb, ball or heart.

Other flower teas can also be compressed into a tea ball, but they won’t bloom. (Googling on how to force flowers to bloom won’t help). They will simply expand, like any other loose leaf tea. Scented and pure tea leaves also come in balls. Jasmine dragon pearls and bigger black dragon balls are especially popular. Nowadays, both flower and pure tea can be compressed in many forms, from Christmas trees to stars. and producers are not running short of ideas.

(Source: Tea Chronicles ©)

How do you make blooming tea?

Blooming tea contains buds or young leaves. For white blooming tea buds are hand-picked, then withered and dried. To give a perfect bouquet shape, leaves need to look like a needle. After the initial drying, buds are bundled up, bud on bud, and tightly wrapped with a cotton thread. Flowers are then sewn in the middle. The next step is tightly wrapping leaves and flowers in cotton cloth to make small balls. They need another round of drying to be ready for brewing.

Skillfulness of the producer makes a difference between exceptionally beautiful and messy tea full of floating particles. Even skilled workers cannot make than a few dozen of tea balls per day. Therefore, one blooming tea ball might costs more than 3 oz of loose leaf tea.

Just as with any other type of tea, there is good and bad blooming tea. Some blooming teas contain only pure buds, some contain young leaves, and some are even broken. White tea is the most commonly used type, followed by green. Oolong is rarely used in blooming teas, while pu’er is commonly compressed with other flowers into a regular flower tea.

Do all blooming teas taste the same?

In one of our previous articles we wrote about the difference between flavored and scented tea. The original blooming teas were not flavored. They don’t need any extra flavors because tea leaves and flowers are already tasty enough. With the boom of the bloom trend, producers started adding more and more flavors to beautiful flowers, making them even more appealing and tasty. There are numerous different versions available on the market – from cinnamon to pear. If you decide to buy flavored type, pay attention to the ingredients. Some might contain artificial flavors, not the natural ones.

Here at California Tea House we believe blooming teas should contain only natural and high quality flowers and teas. Using flowers as tea and mixing them with leaves has a very strong tradition in China. Popular flowers include osmanthus, chrysanthemum, jasmine, lily, marigold, rose, peony, globe amaranth and violet. Of course, these are not all. The list is as long as the imagination of producers can stretch it.

Do tea plants have flowers?

Tea plant or Camellia sinensis plants have flowers that bloom once per year. Although delicate and pretty, those flowers rarely end up in flowering teas. If you are lucky enough to find them, you can use steep them as well. Unfortunately, drinking tea plant flowers never caught up as a trend. Still, that doesn’t make them less worthy than leaves. They also contain EGCG[1], the most abundant catechin in green tea.

(Source: Tea Chronicles ©)

Difference between flowering tea and flower tea

Flower tea is any tea that contains flowers - pure or blended with real tea. Flowering tea is actually a subcategory of flower tea. We don’t want to go into the right usage of word tea as in this article we simply want to use the same words as ones commonly used in Chinese language. And flower tea is just that – flower tea – regardless if it contains Camellia sinesis or not. It’s interesting that most Chinese producers and shop will separate flower teas from other herbal teas, showing that they are very important in tea culture of China.

The history of flower teas started in during Song dynasty. Tea leaves were often mixed with other condiments, including flowers. Flower teas are usually drunk for health benefits. There are four different categories of flower teas – real tea scented with flowers (for example jasmine tea), pure dried flowers (for example pure osmanthus tea), real tea mixed with flowers (for example pu’er blended with rose) and blooming tea. We wrote about scented teas in one of our previous articles, so check the article if you want to learn more.

Can you eat flowers?

Yes, you can. There is a whole range of flowers safe to drink and eat. Flowers often contain a lot of antioxidants and have “trace amounts of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, and molybdenum”[2]. Although some resources say flowers with a bad scent are dangerous, and those with pretty colors and nice fragrance are generally safe, please note that this is not true. Some of the most poisonous flowers like oleander, azalea and daffodils are very beautiful indeed. As they are very common in gardens around the world, please don’t be tempted to include them into culinary experiments.

“One of the earliest accounts of mass poisoning dates back to the first century BCE when Roman troops were allegedly poisoned with honey by the Heptakometes of Turkey. The Roman soldiers were reported to be confused and vomiting and subsequently defeated in battle after eating the honey. We now believe that they were given honey made from the nectar of the flowering plant Rhododendron luteum.”[3]

Blooming teas are different and they are all safe to drink. Flowers used for making blooming teas are used for preparing teas for centuries. With flowers as well, organic is a better choice.

The most popular flower teas

Osmanthus, jasmine, chrysanthemum, lily, marigold, globe amaranth and rose are some of the most popular flower teas. Magnolia, lavender, hibiscus, violet, peach and apple flower as also common. Chrysanthemum is probably the most popular and its history dates back to Song dynasty where it was probably drunk due to health benefits. This tea, just like real tea, can be re-steeped multiple times.

Blooming tea and health benefits

Every tea has certain benefits. Western scientists are mostly excluding flower teas from their plans and focusing on real Camellia sinensis tea. Most research is still done on animals, not on humans. Although tea shows huge benefits on health, unfortunately they all belong to a grey zone. Flower teas are still less interesting in science, but this is where the alternative herbal medicine is taking over. It’s sometimes even called floral medicine, showing that flowers can be good healers as well. Flowers are not only important in China. Rose, marigold and dandelion are only some of the flowers used in folk medicine in India and Sri Lanka.

Is blooming tea good for you?

All blooming teas contain caffeine, L-theanine and EGCG. Full benefits will depend on the tea type and flower. However, if you want to use the full potential of flowers, it might be better to brew them alone. Blooming tea studies are still not abundant. Pure flowers are mainly used in folk medicines around the world, and are less interesting to western countries. Universal flowers like lavender or chamomile are an exception. Others, like chrysanthemum and carnation, are rarely anything but a pretty table decoration. In fact, some types of chrysanthemum are symbol of death in Europe, and never even placed in a context different from being a graveyard flower.

Caffeine in blooming tea

All blooming tea contains caffeine. If you are trying to find a decaffeinated version, you might not have much luck. The amount of caffeine in blooming tea can vary and is always coming from real tea leaves. None of the flowers in flowering tea contains caffeine. Tea buds usually have a higher concentration of caffeine than leaves, but this is only one of the factors influencing total caffeine amount. Next, caffeine is released at certain temperatures. Brewing blooming tea with 95-100 degrees Celsius for 3-10 minutes could actually release more caffeine than shorter brewing times and temperatures used for loose leaf tea.[4]

Does blooming tea contain antioxidants?

Because all blooming teas contain real tea, and all real teas contain antioxidants, all blooming tea contain antioxidants. Even better, all flowers used in blooming teas also contain antioxidants. In fact, flowers are packed with nutritious elements. The most abundant antioxidants in white and green tea are catechins, and theaflavins in black tea. Flowers also contain antioxidants, and might be a very good source of many other vitamins and minerals. [5][6]

What are the benefits of green tea?

The most important substance of green tea is a catechin called EGCG. EGCG has been a subject of many studies in the last 35 years – from weight loss to fighting cancer and dementia. Drinking green tea daily and choosing a healthy well-balanced diet can make a difference. Learn more about EGCG and green tea in our detailed guide.

What are the benefits of white tea?

Although white tea is the least processed type, it still has similar benefits to those of green tea. Even though the chemical composition has been thoroughly researched, benefits are still on the to-research list. A recent research at the Universidade da Beira Interior in Portugal reported that white tea might have many potential benefits: protecting against cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, obesity, and offer anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-viral activity. [7] They are pretty much the same as those of green tea. While some studies report green tea might be more beneficial than white, others claim the opposite [8]. One thing is certain – they are both good.

What are the benefits of black tea?

Black tea is a fully oxidized tea. Some black teas like Darjeeling are not 100% oxidized, but they are an exception, not a rule. Thus, black tea has different antioxidants than white and green tea. Although they all have similar amounts of antioxidants, the type depends on the oxidation factor. Antioxidants in black tea are called theaflavins,[9] and catechins in green and white tea. Interestingly, Chinese scientists have published an article in The Journal of Nutrition in 2001 saying – they are equally effective.[10]

Are flowers in blooming tea safe to eat?

Yes, blooming teas are always made with edible flowers. This doesn’t mean you actually need to eat them, but if you do, you don’t need to run to hospital. In fact, many of the flowers used in blooming tea can be used in preparing different dishes. Visualize calendula soup or carnation salad. A pretty image, isn’t it? Be cautious however. If you are not sure if some flower is safe to eat, make a thorough research or ask an herbalist. Although indulging in a bag of violet blooms while watching a movie might sound like a healthy idea, maybe it’s better to stick with the potato crisps for now. There are still no guidelines on the maximum amounts of flowers safe to consume.

Is organic better?

It is very important to know where your tea is coming from. Unless you fully trust your source, organic might be a better option. Non-organic teas can be grown using harmful chemical herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers. They can also contain GMO. If tea plants and flowers have been exposed to those chemicals, they will be transferred to your cup. Blooming teas are usually infused longer and at higher temperatures, so the risk might be even higher. It takes 3 years for a farm to become certified organic, and absolutely no chemicals are allowed to grow, nurture or protect flowers. Read the article on how to become USDA certified organic.

Is chrysanthemum tea good for you?

Chrysanthemum tea is the most popular flower tea in China. Chrysanthemums have been considered noble flowers for centuries and still represents a drink of choice for classy people. Flowers are generally safe to drink and can offer numerous benefits. They are very common in blooming tea. In Chinese medicine, chrysanthemum has cooling effects and can lower body temperature and combat fever and common cold. There are many types of chrysanthemum tea – snow chrysanthemum, white chrysanthemum, yellow chrysanthemum and others. Although they don’t look so attractive in dried form, in hot water they expand into beautiful lively shapes. Chrysanthemum tea has a delicate herbal flavor.

What are health benefits of chrysanthemum tea?

Health benefits of chrysanthemum tea include treating chest pain (angina), high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, fever, cold, headache, dizziness, and swelling[11]. Flowers are used in Eight Treasure tea, a popular medicinal tea blend in China, and one of the longest elixirs dating back to the Tang dynasty.

Chrysanthemum tea is not considered poisonous, but be aware that there is not enough evidence or research to back up any of health claims, nor warn of possible dangerous side-effects. Still, possible side-effects might occur and they include sensitivity to sun and skin rashes[12]. Chrysanthemum tea would be best avoided by pregnant and breast-feeding women. Like other flower teas, this tea contains no caffeine.

What are health benefits of globe amaranth?

Globe Amaranth is a popular flower in blooming teas. Dried flowers give a very beautiful light pink infusion. Possible benefits of globe amaranth might include treating ulcers, diarrhea, swollen mouth and throat and high cholesterol.[13] There is not enough data to back up possible benefits or side-effects, so caution is needed is you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a serious health condition. Tea made from globe amaranth is light, with distinctive herbal aroma, but might get bitter if prepared wrongly. Traditional uses of globe amaranth tea in some countries like Trinidad, suggest that tea may be safe to use by children.[14]

What are health benefits of jasmine?

Jasmine is the most fragrant of all flower teas. Being a symbol of purity, it is used in many countries around the world. It’s also the most common flower for scenting real teas. Jasmine is considered likely safe to use as tea although it might cause allergic reactions. Both benefits and side-effects still need to be fully researched[16]. In Traditional Chinese Medicine jasmine flower “helps beautify the skin, reduce abdominal discomfort and gastric pains, reduces fatigue and strengthens the immune system, and is good for lowering high blood pressure, preventing cavities, strengthening tooth enamel, fighting cancer, aiding digestion and weight loss.[15]

(Source: Tea Chronicles ©)

What are health benefits of peony tea?

Peony tea is a flower tea made of peony buds or petals. This tea should not be confused with the white peony tea, pure loose leaf tea that doesn’t contain any peony buds or petals at all. Peony flower is the symbol of spring in China and represents wealth and honor[17]. It belongs to medicinal herbs, used to cure different illnesses or promote well-being[18]. One Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner says peony tea can “help alleviate menstrual problems as well as pain”[19]. She also advises pregnant women should refrain from drinking peony tea.

What is osmanthus tea good for?

Osmanthus tea is generally unknown in western countries although the osmanthus tree itself is not unfamiliar. This tree has small yellow, fragrant flowers often used in preparing dishes and scenting tea. The scent and flavor resemble sweet peach. Together with jasmine and rose, they are one of the most fragrant flowers used for making tea.

Some studies suggest that osmanthus tea might be good for suppressing appetite,[20] and Traditional Chinese Medicine is using it for removing odor and bad breath, relieving toothache, stomachache, flatulence and muscle tension, and reduce wrinkles.[21] So far no side effects have been known, but keep in mind that flower teas have not been widely researched yet.

What are the benefits of marigold flower tea?

Marigold of calendula is not only used in Chinese blooming tea. It has a strong history in folk medicines around the world. Traditionally, marigold has been used for “burns, cuts, rashes dermatitis and varicosis”[22]. As a tea it has been used for detoxifying the body and helping relieve symptoms of common cold. “The plant is listed in German Commission E, European Scientific Co-operative on Phytotherapy, British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, World Health Organization monographs for wound healing and anti-inflammatory actions.”[23]

Are blooming and flower teas dangerous?

Blooming teas are generally safe, but should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women and people sensitive to caffeine. You should be careful when drinking any blooming, real, herbal or flower tea, especially if you are suffering from serious health issues. Self-healing is rarely the best solution. It is very important to always seek advice from your health practitioner or herbalist with an extensive knowledge.

All real teas made from Camellia sinensis (white, green, yellow, oolong, black and dark) are generally safe to drink. However, we definitely cannot generalize with flowers. You might want to explore all benefits and side-effects before including pure flower teas into your daily life.

Brewing blooming tea

Blooming tea is very easy to brew and more than suitable for those new to tea. Even better, you don’t need any special tea ware except a regular glass. Always use fresh spring water for brewing blooming tea. Hard tap water will destroy much of its delicacy.

What type of tea ware is the best for blooming tea?

Although you can brew blooming tea in any tea ware, the main purpose of choosing glass is to admire its beauty. Glass teaware is an absolute must for preparing flowering tea. We recommend using wine or champagne glasses (200-300 ml) or 300-500 ml glass teapots or pitchers. Although you can use a regular mug, this wouldn’t really be fair to people that gave their time and knowledge to produce a perfect little tea bouquet. Also, keep in mind the tea ball will expand. Any glass or teapot below 200 ml with not be big enough. Also, the amount of leaves and flowers might give a bitter infusion if you use less water.

How to brew blooming tea properly

Place one tea ball into a glass or teapot and slowly pour water. Water should be around 95 degrees Celsius. Bring water to boil and let it cool for a few moments. Most blooming teas will bloom within 3 minutes, but some might take up to 10. You can use the same leaves at least twice. There shouldn’t be many particles floating around.

How do you drink flowering tea?

Flowering tea can be drunk directly from the vessel used to prepare it. As the leaves and flowers are tightly bound together, you won’t be ingesting them. If you are using a glass teapot to prepare the tea, make sure the opened bloomed flowers and leaves stay in the pot. Pour in more hot water to prepare a second infusion. Blooming tea is a great option for celebrations or tea parties. It asks for attention and admiration, and it is not a good on-the-go option.

Does blooming tea expire?

Blooming tea, just like most teas, has an expiry date. Store it properly, away from direct sunlight in cool and dry places. Most blooming teas are packed in individual wrappers which can preserve freshness longer. Do not open the tea unless you want to brew it immediately. For the best flavor and benefits, use it within the expiry date.

How to brew other flower teas?

There is no general rule how to brew flower teas. Every type is different and the best way would be to follow the suggestions on the pouch. Some flower teas have stronger aroma we are not accustomed to – like amaranth; while other will be delicate and light - like chrysanthemum. For the best results, brew globe amaranth, chrysanthemum, osmanthus and rose at around 90 degrees Celsius for about 2-3 minutes.

Art is important

Claude Monet lived in Giverny in France surrounded by beautiful garden full of flowers. They were the incredible inspiration for his masterpieces. He said, “I must have flowers, always, and always.”. Maybe artisan teas will not only offer benefits, nice flavor and visual delight, maybe they could also serve you as an inspiration for a happier, more grateful and creative life.

Sources:

[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304423811002962

[2] https://lifespa.com/edible-flowers-annual-guide/

[3] https://www.poison.org/articles/2015-mar/azaleas-and-rhododendrons

[4] https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/dcce/0061d8d3bfdaad22f0da62948eba48a5cd0e.pdf

[5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1018364712000638

[6] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301517334_Five_edible_flowers_-_Valuable_source_of_antioxidants_in_human_nutrition

[7] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235995355_White_Tea_Camellia_Sinensis_L_Antioxidant_Properties_And_Beneficial_Health_Effects

[8] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235995355_White_Tea_Camellia_Sinensis_L_Antioxidant_Properties_And_Beneficial_Health_Effects

[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4055352/

[10] https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/131/9/2248/4687692

[11] https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-904/chrysanthemum

[12] https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-904/chrysanthemum

[13] https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-869/amaranth

[14] http://eol.org/pages/585481/overview

[15] http://chinesemedicineactually.blogspot.com/2013/06/flower-tea-and-its-health-benefits.html

[16] https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-617/jasmine

[17] https://www.britishmuseum.org/pdf/Chinese_symbols_1109.pdf

[18] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/peony

[19] https://www.tnp.sg/lifestyle/health/flower-power-health

[20] https://www.livestrong.com/article/527907-tannin-levels-in-teas/

[21] http://chinesemedicineactually.blogspot.com/2013/06/flower-tea-and-its-health-benefits.html

[22] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3841996/

[23] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3841996/