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If you have seen Marie Antoinette, Sofia Coppola's film and pop reinterpretation of the court life of Marie Antoinette of France, you were probably enchanted by the tea sipped by the queen of France: small bouquets of colorful flowers that close in the cup when hot water is poured over them, in a fascinating process for the eyes. Tea flowers, blooming tea, tea bouquets, or blossom tea: in China, the homeland of tea (as evidenced by the vast variety of Chinese teas available) and also the birthplace of this type of composition, the art of creating tea bouquets is called Gong Yi HuaCha, and its result is Art Tea. We do not know if tea flowers were already known in the time of Louis XVI: some claim that blooming tea is a modern invention, while others argue that it is an ancient practice dating back to the 10th century.
According to this theory, tea flowers are believed to originate from the Yunnan province in China, and it is thought that in ancient times the very first spring teas, after being harvested, were processed and tied into small bouquets destined for the emperor. In the West, as well as in Italy, blooming teas have only been discovered recently, but have now become very popular, served in the most refined tea rooms to surprise customers with unexpected shapes and colors, delicate and precious aromas.
Blooming teas available online at Terza Luna are of two types:
But what are blooming teas? Literally 'flowering teas', they appear as small spheres of compressed leaves and petals that, in a teapot or glass of water (whether cold or hot), unfold revealing a wonderful flower. The Chinese art of Gong Yi HuaCha dictates that tea bouquets are made using black tea or white tea, mainly: the tea buds, and sometimes the first two leaves, are hand-tied with a thread (often silk) inside which a dried flower is hidden, such as calendula, jasmine, rose, chrysanthemum, and lily, creating a bulb that will open upon contact with water. Generally, tea bouquets are found in the form of spheres or balls, but sometimes they can also have the shape of bouquets or mushrooms. Once formed, blooming teas are heated to very high temperatures to maintain their shape. In China, it is mainly women who dedicate themselves to this art, and their production amounts to several hundred flowers every day.
Initially, the flower is not visible, but when water is poured over the leaves, you can see the bouquet opening up, and the flowers 'blooming', releasing their delicate aroma. Certainly, tea flowers give life to very fragrant infusions, although not particularly deep in flavor: they will be light, soft infusions, floral and delicate teas, thanks to the fragrant notes of some of the flowers used, even if left to infuse for a long time: therefore, blooming teas are more interesting for their appearance and the 'magic' of the slow unfolding and opening of the bouquet than for the taste.
Preparing tea flowers (or tea bouquet, or flower tea) is very simple, and the effect is a real spectacle that recalls the blooming of flowers: prepare them in front of your guests to leave them amazed.
To prepare a perfect cup of tea flowers, you will need:
You can also add sugar or honey, if you prefer. It is very important to use a transparent teapot, a cup, or if you don't have them, even a glass (tempered!) pitcher or jar, to fully enjoy the process of the tea bouquet unfolding.
Use one tea flower per teapot, and heat the water. Regarding the temperature, it is generally indicated in the tea preparation instructions, but if you know what type of tea your flower tea is made of, whether it's white or black tea, it is preferable to follow the infusion rules of that specific tea:
Then pour the water at the right temperature over your tea bouquet inside the teapot or glass container: the infusion time can vary from 2 to 10 minutes... don't give up if the flower does not immediately bloom! You will gradually see the sphere opening up and revealing the hidden flower inside, which will seem to bloom. Let it infuse to obtain the desired intensity tea. Once the infusion is complete, you can pour the blooming tea into cups.
Some argue, given the delicacy of tea flowers, that they cannot be reused. In reality, they can be used for a second infusion without worrying that the tea will become too bitter and astringent. However, it is important to be careful in the choice of tea bouquets, as if they appear pale and dull in their dry form, they could be old tea flowers, and therefore give a poorly flavored and very faded infusion.
Tea flowers have become popular in Europe and the West only in recent years, but they have been very successful. The magic they create when they bloom is able to amaze both adults and children, and although they do not have surprising flavors, they are a pleasant treat for the palate and the eyes. Tea flowers are available in packages and gift sets, to surprise your loved ones, you can buy them for a particularly refined afternoon tea, or if you are not a fan of the taste but still appreciate the aesthetics of these special blooming teas, you can use them as decorations, letting them bloom in water vials and making original centerpieces or placeholders!
