Fragrance in a Cup, Savoring a Millennium: Exploring the World of Flower Tea
A cup of flower tea, fragrant and rich, refreshing to the heart and mind. It is not just a beverage but also carries a cultural heritage and wisdom of health preservation spanning thousands of years. Today, let us step into the world of flower tea and savor its history, varieties, and benefits.
I. The History of Flower Tea: From Medicinal Use to Beverage, Fragrance for a Millennium
The origin of flower tea can be traced back to the Song Dynasty, when people mixed fragrant flowers such as jasmine with tea leaves, using the tea's absorbency to capture the floral aroma, creating scented tea.
By the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the production techniques of flower tea gradually matured, giving rise to numerous varieties such as jasmine tea, pearl orchid tea, and osmanthus tea, which became tributes and were highly favored by royalty and nobility. Today, flower tea has become a common household item, serving as a daily health supplement and a means of relaxation for many.
II. The Varieties of Flower Tea: A Hundred Flowers Bloom, Each with Its Unique Charm
There is a wide variety of flower teas, primarily categorized based on the type of fragrant flowers used:
●Jasmine Tea: Known for its fresh, long-lasting aroma and mellow, refreshing taste, it is a premium variety among flower teas. Representative types include Jasmine Silver Needle and Jasmine Dragon Pearl.
●Pearl Orchid Tea: Characterized by its elegant, lingering fragrance and fresh, sweet aftertaste, it possesses a unique orchid aroma. Representative types include Pearl Orchid Dafang and Pearl Orchid Maofeng.
●Osmanthus Tea: With a rich, lasting fragrance and a sweet, delightful taste, it offers benefits such as resolving phlegm, relieving coughs, and beautifying the skin. Representative types include Osmanthus Oolong and Osmanthus Black Tea.
●Rose Tea: Known for its rich, sweet aroma and a slightly bitter yet sweet taste, it helps soothe the liver, relieve depression, and regulate menstruation. Representative types include Rose Black Tea and Rose Pu'er Tea.
●Chrysanthemum Tea: With a fresh, delicate fragrance and a sweet, slightly bitter taste, it helps clear heat, detoxify, improve vision, and lower blood pressure. Representative types include Hangzhou White Chrysanthemum and Huangshan Tribute Chrysanthemum.
In addition to the above, there are many other varieties such as honeysuckle tea, lily tea, and hibiscus tea, each with its unique characteristics to cater to different tastes and needs.
III. The Benefits of Flower Tea: Health Preservation, Abundant Advantages
Flower tea is not only fragrant but also offers various health benefits:
●Beauty and Skincare: Rose tea and osmanthus tea are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which can brighten the skin and delay aging.
●Clearing Heat and Detoxifying: Chrysanthemum tea and honeysuckle tea help clear heat, detoxify, reduce swelling, and relieve pain, making them ideal for summer consumption.
●Soothing Emotions: Jasmine tea and rose tea help soothe the liver, relieve depression, and promote sleep, alleviating stress and improving sleep quality.
●Regulating the Digestive System: Tangerine Peel Pu'er tea and osmanthus black tea help strengthen the spleen, stimulate appetite, and aid digestion, relieving bloating.
IV. Brewing Flower Tea: Savoring the Fragrance, Enjoying Life
When brewing flower tea, the water temperature should not be too high, ideally between 80-90°C. The amount of tea can be adjusted according to personal preference, typically 3-5 grams. The steeping time should not be too long, 3-5 minutes is sufficient to avoid bitterness.
Savoring flower tea is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a relaxation for the mind. In the hustle and bustle of life, brewing a cup of flower tea, feeling its fragrance, and savoring life can bring relaxation and joy to both body and mind.
Conclusion:
Flower tea is a gift from nature, a legacy of culture, and a guardian of health. Let us savor flower tea together, feel its fragrance, enjoy its beauty, and fill our lives with poetry and wellness.