Blooming tea is a tightly rolled ball of tea that unfurls in hot water to reveal a flower or scene created by the tea leaves. It originated in China in the 1980s and is often brewed in glass teapots. The tea can be reused for up to three additional brews.
Blooming tea is tea packed into a tightly rolled ball that unwinds when the tea is placed in hot water, revealing a flower or fanciful scene created by the artfully arranged tea leaves. Most blooming teas are made with black, green, or oolong tea, and many include dried flowers to add color to the flower arrangement as it “blooms” in the teapot. Specialty tea companies carry blooming tea, often in samplers that include a blend of flavors and compositions.
origin
Although some people think this is an ancient tradition, blooming tea is widely considered to have been developed in the 1980s. It seems to have originated in China, and became very popular in the West in the early 2000s, around the same time that Asian-style foods and decorations also started to become very trendy. Chinese tea companies produce a range of flowering teas, including flowers that are hand-assembled and stitched by artisans.
Preparation
Blooming tea is often referred to as performance tea, blooming tea, or decorative tea, which is a reference to the beauty of the flower as it unfolds. Many people prefer to brew blooming tea in glass teapots or teapots made from other transparent materials so that the flowers can be seen clearly. This tea can also be brewed in large clear or white cups, although most blooming teas are designed to provide multiple servings, so a single cup may end up being too strong. Also, drinking from a cup that contains the flower might be difficult.
Unfurling beauty
Most blooming teas develop into fancy flower shapes when brewed, with the tea forming the “leaves” and dried flowers unfurling within. It is also possible to create delicate little scenes with tea, if the tea is handled by someone who is knowledgeable about blooming tea. For example, the tea might unfold to reveal a sailing ship or other decorative object. Seeing what’s inside is often part of the excitement and surprise, and many producers leave their blooming tea unlabeled so people don’t know what to expect.
Maneuverability
Blooming tea is usually individually packaged, ensuring that the tea balls are not pushed during transport and storage. This tea should be stored in a cool, dry place for best shelf life. After the blooming tea has been brewed, it can usually stand up to two or three additional brews, although the flavor may weaken. Some flowering teas also turn bitter when steeped repeatedly.
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