At first glance, dried chrysanthemum flowers may look more like something meant for a vase or a craft project than a cup of tea. However, add them to hot water and the tightly dried blossoms gradually unfurl, releasing a delicate floral aroma while creating a naturally golden herbal infusion.
Chrysanthemum flower tea has been enjoyed for centuries in China and other parts of East Asia. Today, it is attracting a much wider audience, including tea drinkers across Canada who are curious about traditional botanicals, naturally caffeine-free alternatives, and beautiful whole-flower infusions.
But what exactly is chrysanthemum tea? What does it taste like, and is it better enjoyed alone or in a blend? Let’s dive in!
What Is Chrysanthemum Flower Tea?
Chrysanthemum tea is an herbal infusion made by steeping dried (food-grade!) chrysanthemum flowers in hot water. Despite its familiar name, it is not a “true tea” in the botanical sense because it does not come from the tea plant, Camellia sinensis. Instead, it belongs to the broad category of herbal teas.
Chrysanthemums belong to the Asteraceae family (the same large plant family that includes daisies, sunflowers and chamomile). Chrysanthemum flowers have a particularly long history in China, where they are known as ju hua. Different chrysanthemum varieties and growing regions can produce subtle differences in colour, size, aroma and flavour.
Why Are People Seeking Out Chrysanthemum Flowers?
Chrysanthemum tea appeals to people for several different reasons. First, it is naturally caffeine-free, making it a great evening drink for those looking to avoid a sleepless night.
Secondly – it is beautiful! Watching whole flowers float, soften, and open in the cup turns a simple infusion into a small ritual. Chrysanthemum flowers can be steeped in a regular teapot, but they are especially lovely in a glass cup or clear teapot where the blossoms can be seen.
Many people are also discovering chrysanthemum through its long history in traditional Chinese food and herbal practices. As Canadians become more interested in traditional ingredients and simple plant-based beverages, chrysanthemum tea is finding an enthusiastic new audience.
What Does Chrysanthemum Tea Taste Like?
Chrysanthemum tea has a light, clean, and distinctly floral character. Its flavour is sometimes compared with chamomile, although chrysanthemum absolutely has its own personality.
You may notice:
- A gentle floral sweetness
- A fresh, slightly green or herbaceous note
- A mild honey-like quality
For those who prefer a sweeter cup, a small amount of honey pairs beautifully with chrysanthemum’s floral character. It can also be enjoyed chilled.
How to Prepare Chrysanthemum Flower Tea
Chrysanthemum tea is simple to prepare.
- Place approximately one to two teaspoons of dried chrysanthemum flowers in an infuser, cup or small teapot.
- Add 250 ml or approximately eight ounces of freshly boiled water.
- Steep for approximately five to seven minutes.
- Strain and enjoy.
You can adjust the amount of flowers and steeping time to suit your taste, of course. Use fewer flowers or a shorter steep for a more delicate cup. For a fuller floral flavour, add a little more rather than dramatically extending the steeping time, which may increase bitterness.
Whole chrysanthemum flowers can often be infused more than once. Simply add fresh hot water and allow a little extra steeping time for the second infusion.
Should Chrysanthemum Flowers Be Enjoyed Alone or in a Blend?
Both options are worthwhile.
Drinking chrysanthemum on its own is the best way to become familiar with its natural flavour. A single-ingredient infusion is delicate, beautiful and easy to customize. It also allows you to control exactly how much chrysanthemum you use.
At the same time, chrysanthemum is an excellent blending ingredient. Its floral, slightly herbaceous flavour can add dimension without overwhelming the other ingredients.
It pairs especially well with green tea, white tea, jasmine tea, chamomile, or peppermint.
Does Chrysanthemum Tea Have Health Benefits?
As mentioned, Chrysanthemum has been valued in traditional Chinese herbal practices for centuries. It has been associated with “clearing heat” and soothing complaints related to the eyes, head, and throat. Note that these are descriptions from a traditional system of medicine and should not be interpreted as proven medical claims.
Modern research has identified a variety of naturally occurring compounds in chrysanthemum flowers, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, volatile oils, and polysaccharides. These compounds have demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in laboratory and preclinical research.
A Beautiful Flower, A Beautiful Cup
Part of the charm of chrysanthemum tea is its simplicity. These small dried flowers need little more than hot water and a few quiet minutes to transform into a fragrant, golden cup.
Enjoy chrysanthemum flowers alone to appreciate their delicate floral flavour, add them to a favourite tea blend, or serve them chilled with a little honey. However you prepare them, they offer a lovely way to explore a tea tradition that has been enjoyed for generations.
Our Organic Chrysanthemum Flowers are available online for delivery across Canada and in store at All Things Tea in Kitchener, Ontario.
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