Chrysanthemum tea

What is Chrysanthemum tea?

Chrysanthemum tea is a clear, floral drink made by steeping dried chrysanthemum flowers in hot water. The tea ranges in color from pale to bright yellow and has a gentle floral scent. The flowers used are from varieties of Chrysanthemum morifolium and C. indicum, with some teas featuring prominent yellow or white flower heads. The infusion is transparent and is often served in glass or porcelain cups, sometimes sweetened with rock or cane sugar.

Where does Chrysanthemum tea come from?

The use of chrysanthemum flowers for tea began in China, where the plant was cultivated as early as 1500 BCE. Drinking chrysanthemum tea became especially popular during the Song dynasty. Over time, the custom spread throughout East and Southeast Asia, with each region developing its own preferred varieties and preparation methods. In Korea, the tea is called gukhwa-cha and is made from Indian chrysanthemum, while in China, several regional varieties are prized.

How Chrysanthemum tea is made

To make chrysanthemum tea, dried flowers are steeped in hot water, typically at 90 to 95°C, for two to three minutes. In Chinese tradition, hot water may be added to the same flowers several times. In Korea, flowers are sometimes blanched in bamboo salt water, dried, and then infused. Other methods include preserving the flowers in honey or steaming them with herbal decoctions for medicinal use. The tea can be enjoyed plain or sweetened.

When and where Chrysanthemum tea is used

Chrysanthemum tea is a common beverage in homes and restaurants across East Asia. It is also sold in Asian grocery stores, both as loose flowers and in teabags or cartons. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used for respiratory and visual ailments. The tea is valued for its floral aroma and is sometimes served at gatherings or as a soothing drink. In Korea, different preparations are made for daily enjoyment or medicinal purposes.

Forms of Chrysanthemum tea

Several regional varieties of chrysanthemum are used for tea in China, such as Huángshān-gòngjú from Huangshan and Hángbáijú from Tongxiang near Hangzhou. Korean gukhwa-cha uses Indian chrysanthemum, often picked before the flowers fully open. There are also honey-preserved and medicinal forms, each with distinct preparation steps and uses.

What Chrysanthemum tea means

Chrysanthemum tea is closely tied to Chinese and Korean traditions. In China, it is associated with health and longevity, and is a staple of herbal tea culture. The drink is also part of traditional medicine and daily life. In Korea, gukhwa-cha is enjoyed both as a beverage and for its supposed health benefits. The tea's gentle aroma and color make it a popular choice for social and family occasions.

The flowers of Chrysanthemum tea

ChrysanthemumAutumn-blooming flower with thousands of varieties, cherished in East Asia and beyondChrysanthemum japonenseA white-flowered perennial daisy native to coastal Shikoku, JapanIndian chrysanthemumA yellow or white-flowered chrysanthemum native to ChinaFlorist's daisyThe many-petalled autumn bloom of gardens and floral shows

Questions people ask about Chrysanthemum tea

Good reading and sources

• Chrysanthemum tea on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data