Country of Origin: China
Leaf Appearance: dark leaves with bright red flowers
Ingredients: green tea, amaranth and osmanthus
Steep time: 4 minutes
Water Temperature: 175 degrees
Preparation Method: glass teapot
Liquor: deep gold
This tea bloomed rather slowly and did not quite fully open on the first infusion. The osmanthus flowers were loose but thankfully they soon settled to the bottom of the teapot. Call me picky but I just don’t like petals in my cup. The taste was delicately floral and sweet with a light, fruity aftertaste. Apricots and jasmine both came to mind but in an understated way. There was very little astringency, even after letting the bloom sit in the pot while I drank my first few cups. Comparing flowering teas to loose leaf is like making the same comparison to tea bags. You have judge them for what they and as flowerings teas go, this selection was very enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this tea.