My mug decided on a nice lightly floral Organic Green Jasmine from Hampstead Tea this morning.

This black tea blend has a wonderfully matched black tea with what taste like orange with a hint of pineapple. The aroma contains mostly orange and lemon scents. I think the black tea is a Ceylon, but I have no confirmation of that. Either way, give this one a try.

Morning Cup #54

What’s in your cup?

Blooming Flower Tea

There are those that believe that these beautiful works of art came from an ancient Chinese tradition; however it is widely considered to be developed in the 1990s in China and made its way to the west in the early 2000s.

It is popular to brew this type of tea in a clear pot or cup in order to watch the leaves unfurl as it steeps.  This tea is usually good for multiple brews so it’s better to brew in a pot.  The most common flowers used in flowering teas are chrysanthemums, jasmines, lilies, osmanthus and hibiscus.

They are created when artisans bunch the leaves into a ball and having them dry in that form, allowing the leaves to retain the ball structure.  When packaged, they are wrapped individually so as they are not jostled during transport.  There are some that say that there are artisans that can create little scenes with their teas (some say like a sailing ship, though I have never seen it for myself).  I will admit, half the fun is seeing what will unfurl from that tight little ball.

If you are finishing your tea and are finding it heartbreaking to lose the work of art…never fear! By using two spoons, you can transfer your tea from your teapot of hot water to another filled with cold water.  Some say that this can be maintained for weeks!

While digging up research, I also found that there are those out there that make their own tea balls.  In fact, I found instructions on how to do it myself!  Here’s the link for those willing to take on the challenge:

http://www.ehow.com/how_7661477_make-flowering-tea-balls.html

Cool, no? I managed to find a video on YouTube that allows you to watch this tea unfurl:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbRpdYRz1Y0

Over the past year I’ve found myself really growing a side passion in Pu’erh teas such as this Magnolia Pu’erh from Numi Tea.

This Pu’erh is dark and earthy like others, but with a decidedly floral overtone with what I think are honeysuckle undertones. I’m pretty impressed with the flavor quality from a bagged tea, let alone a bagged Pu’erh.

This brew caught me off guard. Perhaps it will do the same for you!.

Morning Cup #52

What’s in your cup?

This Thanksgiving morning my cup holds a Green Tea with Jasmine from Taylors of Harrogate.

There are good jasmine teas, and there are bad jasmine teas. Then there are those somewhere between. This particular jasmine green tea is somewhere in the middle. It’s quality enough I can’t tell if it’s flavored or scented, but I don’t believe it was made with a traditional blending process.

The aroma and flavor are full of jasmine. Potent and firm but comforting nonetheless.

Morning Cup #41

What’s in your cup?

Today’s cup is a Jasmine Green Tea from Dils Tea / Tea Packs USA.

This Jasmine Green Tea is lightly floral with something resembling a light tipsiness as well.

The flavor is alright, not too bold, not too weak, but not quite a perfect balance either.

Morning Cup #26

What’s in your cup?