Always on the prowl for something new and different, I decided to try Chrysanthemum tea. Let me preface this by saying the not only have I never tasted Chrysanthemum Tea… I have never even heard of it. The one thing I do know is that chrysanthemum is a flower, but that is the extent of my knowledge. Especially since I know nothing about gardening, flowers, or anything remotely related. So lets talk tea…
Composition: An herbal tea from China made from dried chrysanthemum flowers.
Dry Visual: I hate to be overly simplistic, but this tea looks just like dried flowers. Creamy yellow petals with a green bud trimmed in brown. Thanks Tavalon Tea for the awesome picture.
Dry Aroma: Dried flowers – a light almost calming scent.
Flavor: I would categorize Chrysanthemum as a very mild and naturally sweet herbal tea. Truly floral with no bitterness. Chrysanthemum is a simple unadulterated tea, enjoyable without the addition of sweetener. The addition of any sweetener would mask the natural flavor.
Liquor: Amazingly yellow – the color of a newly opened highlighter stripe drawn on white paper. Neon!
Brewing Time: Recommended brewing time 5 minutes. I brewed for the recommended 5 minutes. After tasting, I brewed for an additional minute.
Manufacturer: Tavalon Tea
Caffeine: No.
What is a chrysanthemum?
Chrysanthemums are a genus (Chrysanthemum) of about 30 species of perennial flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to Asia and northeastern Europe. Chrysanthemums were cultivated in China as a flowering herb as far back as the 15th century BC. An ancient Chinese city was named Ju-Xian, meaning “chrysanthemum city”. The flower was introduced into Japan probably in the 8th century AD, and the Emperor adopted the flower as his official seal.
Chrysanthemum is a nice change of pace. As a purely herbal tea, it is perfect for those unable to tolerate caffeine or looking to enjoy a nice cuppa tea without the caffeine. If you too have shared the experience stop by and comment. Until then… Happy Tea Drinking!
References: Chrysanthemum. (2008, September 15). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 01:50, September 20, 2008, fromhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chrysanthemum&oldid=238578064
Hi, TE
I’m fond of floral herbal teas, but I haven’t tried chrysanthemum–I’ll have to check it out. Have you ever tried hibiscus? It makes such a beautiful red tea, and very nice mixed with other teas.
God bless,
Cindy
hmm… i’ve had “flowers iced tea” at a restaurant once, and i’m pretty sure the small floating flowers were chrysanthemums. it was milder than regular iced tea, both in fragrance and sweetness, and the lack of caffeine was evident. i have to say that i didn’t enjoy it at all. i didn’t enjoy having to drink all those loose petals (i don’t care if they’re edible, i just didn’t like ‘em), plus it tasted like liquefied plants or something, lol! maybe it’s better hot? and it definitely should’ve been strained.
cindyinsd,
It is funny that you ask about hibiscus tea. I recently received some from a friend, but have yet to try it. Now, I have to go pull it out of my stash.
iamnotfodo,
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. While I have never had iced chrysanthemum tea, I think I would agree with you. Drinking it iced doesn’t sound good, because it is so mild. Not to mention, I like sweet iced tea and the fact that this tea tasted better without sweetener is another reason I wouldn’t like it iced.
I don’t mind the lack of caffeine – if you want to try a really decaffeinated tea you should try a true tisane (herbal tea) as they are not made with the actual tea plant. Harney and Sons has an awesome mint tea and Adagio Teas has a fantastic Honeybush Vanilla.
Feel free to email me if you would like some other recommendations.
Ha ha! I’ve just bought chrysanthemum tea about 2 weeks ago, I haven’t had the courage to try it yet, after the bad experience with Honeysuckle and Linden flower tea. But after seeing Curse of the Golden Flower some time ago, I’m quite excited about chrysanthemum flowers. I shall taste mine soon!
teatropolitan,
Funny! After you try it please stop back and let me know if you liked the chrysanthemum. From where did you purchase?
I bought it in China Town in London, in one of the grocery stores there.
And I have tired it already, and it was much better then the previous teas I have mentioned. I think for me it;s more a matter of getting past the smell of the dry flowers which i dont fancy very much
teatropolitan,
I agree, when you think about it, the thought of drinking dried flowers is kind of bizarre.