Tea with flowers – what is its history?

Tea is steeped in tradition and culture - it has long been appreciated for its delicate flavors, soothing properties and multitude of health benefits.

For centuries, tea lovers have been looking for new ways to enrich its taste and aroma. One of them was adding flower petals to the infusion, thanks to which it not only gained a bit of elegance, but also enhanced the experience of drinking tea essence.

How did the history of tea with flowers begin?

The history of adding flowers to tea began in ancient China, where the art of making infusions was carefully cultivated and revered. It is believed that combining tea leaves with flower petals originated in the Tang Dynasty (619 - 907 AD), during the period of the flourishing of art and culture.

Chinese tea masters tried to enhance the sensory experience associated with tasting tea, so they decided to add natural, floral aromas.

Black tea in stone cups enriched with a floral flavor.

                           

What is the tradition behind the practice of adding flowers to tea?

The practice of mixing tea leaves with flowers not only enhances the aroma of the composition, but also provides additional health benefits. It is based on the selection of flowers for their therapeutic properties contributing to the improvement of the drinker's well-being.

The spread of tea culture in Asia and later in the West influenced the diversity of flavors and aromas of compositions - each region introduced its own unique blends and variations.

Which flowers are most often added to tea and why?

Among the multitude of flowers used as an addition to tea, several of them have particularly won our sympathy and have become long-time favorites at Basilur Tea. Each of them stands out from the others, giving the infusion a distinct taste and aroma .

Jasmine

Due to its sweetness and subtlety , it is probably one of the most famous and popular tea additives. The calming properties of jasmine tea have made it valued for centuries - especially in China, where it symbolizes purity and grace .

Rose

Due to its beauty and captivating , intense scent, it also finds its place in tea compositions. Drinking rose tea, which is characterized by a delicate scent and subtle sweetness , provides an unforgettable experience that soothes the senses.

Hibiscus

It is a very characteristic addition because it gives the tea a vivid carmine shade and a tart , refreshing taste. Hibiscus infusion is known for its richness in antioxidants and vitamin C. Moreover, it has health-promoting properties and effectively quenches thirst.

Lavender

Its slightly sweet taste and citrus-floral notes give the tea a subtle character that evokes bliss and helps you relax.


A glass of Ceylon green tea with the addition of various aromatic flowers.

                

Chamomile

It is known for its herbal flavor with slight sweetness and bitterness . Once brewed, chamomile has calming properties, which is why it has become a popular ingredient in blends that help you fall asleep and relax.

Cornflower

This flower with intense blue petals influences both the color and taste of the infusion, giving it distinct sweet and spicy notes.

 

Calendula

It gives the tea distinctiveness, which manifests itself through a noticeable bitterness, peppery taste and a spicy aftertaste lingering on the tongue. An infusion with the addition of marigold has a relaxing effect on the digestive system.

                   

Safflower

It is often used as a natural dye and flavor enhancer, all due to the intense yellow color of the petals and delicate taste.

A photo showing the moment of pouring jasmine green tea into a glass.

                                      

Nowadays, the tradition of adding flowers to tea is widely used, which translates into the creation of newer combinations.

Regardless of whether you drink tea hot or cold, alone or in company, it provides a moment of relief in the midst of the everyday rush, encouraging you to focus on savoring each sip.

At Basilur Tea, we value this tradition very much. We constantly create a lot of mixtures that contain different varieties of flowers, taking advantage of their properties - from the delicate scent of jasmine to the intensity of dyes in cornflower petals.


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