What is Chrysanthemum tea?
Chrysanthemum tea (chū-wèi-chá 、 菊花茶 in Chinese) is a traditional Chinese and Taiwanese tea made from chrysanthemum flowers.
Chrysanthemum tea is good for health, especially for beauty care. Chrysanthemum tea has been used to treat various illnesses in traditional Chinese medicine, including fever, headache, eye inflammation, and muscle stiffness. Chrysanthemum tea is also a popular drink in East Asia owing to its refreshing taste.
Chinese Chrysanthemum teas are usually classified as either "white" (bai) or "green" (lu) teas. The white tea variety is the most popular, while the green tea type is less common. The chrysanthemum flowers used to make the tea can be fresh or dried. Fresh flowers are generally used to make white tea, while both fresh and dried flowers are used to make green tea.
How is Chrysanthemum tea made?
In Taiwan, fresh chrysanthemum flowers are usually harvested in the late autumn. The flowers are then dried with running air or hot wind until they become yellowish golden brown. In order to extract chrysanthemum fragrance and nutrients from the flowers, the dried flowers are roasted after being ground into powder.
The appearance of Chrysanthemum tea is very similar to that of white tea. However, once it gets in touch with water or any liquid, its color will be yellowish golden brown. This tea is popular in East Asia owing to its refreshing taste.
What are the health benefits of Chrysanthemum tea?
Chrysanthemum flowers contain chrysanthemin and other ingredients which have anti-inflammatory effects. Chrysanthemin is an O-methylated flavonoid.
Chrysanthemum tea has many benefits as below,
- Antioxidant effects
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Anti-viral effects
- Blood pressure-lowering effect
How to make dried Chrysanthemum tea
It's very easy to brew, Just follow the steps below,
Step 1. Add 1 teaspoon (about 2~3g) of Chrysanthemum tea leaves into a glass teapot.
Step 2. Pour in hot water at 80~90 degrees Celsius.
Step 3. Steep for 1~2 minutes.
Step 4. Serve and enjoy!
Brew Tips:
- Use good quality water for the best taste.
- Chrysanthemum tea leaves can be reused 3~4 times.
- You can also find Chrysanthemum tea in many different flavors. Some popular flavors include:
-Honey
-Rose
-Lemon
-Mint
-Camomile
-Hibiscus
-Vanilla
What does Chrysanthemum tea taste like?
The tea has a light body with a slightly sweet aftertaste. Some describe it as refreshing, while others find it to be slightly flowery.
Side effects of Chrysanthemum tea
Chrysanthemum tea is generally considered safe for regular consumption. Side effects are rare but may include nausea or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Consult your physician before drinking.
What is the best time to drink Chrysanthemum tea?
Chrysanthemum tea can be enjoyed at any time of the day. However, it is often consumed as a morning or afternoon tea.
How much Caffeine content is in Chrysanthemum tea?
Chrysanthemum tea is caffeine-free and low in calories. It is a good choice for people who are trying to lose weight or who want to avoid caffeine. Chrysanthemum tea is also high in antioxidants, which can help protect against cancer and other diseases.
