With the first sign of daffodils sprouting in the City’s parks, I breathe a sigh of relief. It’s the arrival of spring announced so sweetly. I started really noticing the City’s flowers a few years ago. I’ve learned the daffodils bloom first, then the tulips, and then the roses. Every year they return and inspire.
In addition to enjoying the beauty of flowers, they are delicious to drink. While the bloom of a flower is short, you can drink its brew all year around.

There are two different definitions of flowers teas. The first is a term to describe the infusion of flower blossoms. These infusions are naturally without caffeine and have their own unique health benefits.

Chamomile
One of the most popular blossoms for drinking, it has a light apple taste and is famous for soothing, relaxing and helping us sleep. It’s also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. A strong brew of chamomile, let to cool, can be used as a mouthwash.

Chrysanthemum
In China, this blossom has been said to “attract the soul of the sky and earth,” for it’s ability to endure cold weather. It represents nobility and elegance. Health benefits: improving eyesight, neutralizing toxins and protecting the liver.

Elder Flower
Most often found in Europe, it is becoming popular in the US as well. These very tiny star-shaped blossoms yield a yellow color and taste of sweet apricot. It is known to help the respiratory system, especially in easing coughs, and increase perspiration.

Honeysuckle Flower
This flower is often found it herbal blends, but can be enjoyed on its own as well. You can find it stores that carry Chinese herbal remedies. It is sweet smelling and tasting. Health benefits: soothe sore throats, reduce fever and rid toxins.

Lavender
The word lavender comes from the Latin word lavare, meaning, “to wash.” How fitting for this lovely aromatic blossom which is often used in scenting baths and soaps. As a brew, its taste is very similar to its aroma. It’s known to aid in sleeping and relieving nervous tension. You can also apply it as a cool compress to help sunburns and skin problems.

The second type of flower tea comes from China. It describes a tea (made from the Camellia sinensis tea plant) this is scented or blended with flower blossoms. Typically, jasmine, osmanthus and chrysanthemum flowers are used.

Flower Display Teas
China, the birthplace of tea, has cultivated more ways of making teas than any other country. A great signature of Chinese tea making is the display tea – handcrafted out of tealeaves. Traditionally, only the finest tealeaves are used and blossoms are often “sewn” together with the tea. The shape of the display tea changes when steeped in hot water – enjoy the show that unfolds.

Jasmine Tea
Jasmine teas are teas scented with the jasmine flower. The tea can be a black, oolong, green or white tea. Traditionally, the tea is scented by placing it with jasmine blossoms overnight - and then removing them the next morning. Jasmine blossoms are known to calm nerves and help headaches.

Osmanthus Tea
Osmanthus blossoms are often used to scent oolong, white and pu-erh teas. They are small yellow flowers that grow in Southern China and Taiwan. They add apricot and subtle peach notes to the taste of the tea. The blossoms are known to aid digestion.
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By Karen Dunlap, published in Asian Food & Lifestyle, March/April 2006