Osmanthus Tea

Name: Osmanthus Tea
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 to 6
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 4 g osmanthus flowers; 4 g green tea; 500 ml hot water; to taste rock sugar; 1 tsp goji berries

25 minutes prep 45 minutes cook Serves 4 to 6 vegan

Osmanthus Tea is a fragrant brew that finds its roots in the scenic city of Hangzhou, a place renowned for its delicate balance of flavors and aromas. Traditionally enjoyed as a soothing afternoon refreshment, this tea captures the essence of tranquility and is often shared among friends and family in the comfort of home. Its preparation is an art of simplicity, where the salt is judged by hand and the richness of flavors is achieved through generous use of ingredients.

The infusion of osmanthus flowers and green tea creates a gentle, floral sweetness that is both calming and invigorating. Delicate notes of the osmanthus blossom merge seamlessly with the subtle bitterness of green tea, while rock sugar adds a hint of sweetness, and goji berries introduce a touch of fruitiness. This harmonious blend offers a sensory experience that is both refreshing and soothing, making it a perfect companion for quiet, reflective moments.

Ingredients

4 gosmanthus flowers
4 ggreen tea
500 mlhot water
to tasterock sugar
1 tspgoji berries

Method

Begin by boiling 500 ml of water in a kettle or a pot. Once the water reaches a boil, let it cool slightly for about a minute to reach the ideal temperature for brewing green tea, which is around 80°C (176°F). This prevents the tea from becoming too bitter and preserves its delicate flavors.
In a teapot or a heatproof glass pitcher, add 4 g of green tea. Pour the hot water over the tea leaves, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let the tea steep for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the liquid turns a light green color and releases a fresh, grassy aroma.
While the tea is steeping, measure 4 g of osmanthus flowers. Once the green tea has steeped to the desired strength, strain the tea into another pot or pitcher to remove the leaves, then add the osmanthus flowers to the strained tea. Stir gently to combine, allowing the osmanthus to infuse its floral fragrance into the tea.
Taste the tea and add rock sugar to your preference. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. The sweetness should complement the floral notes of the osmanthus without overpowering them.
Finally, add 1 tsp of goji berries to the tea. They will soften and plump up slightly, adding a hint of sweetness and a pop of color to the drink.
Serve the Osmanthus Tea immediately in traditional Chinese teacups or glassware. The tea should be a pale golden color, with the fragrance of osmanthus and a hint of sweetness from the goji berries and rock sugar. Enjoy this delicate tea as part of a shared meal or a moment of relaxation.