Chinese · Drinks · SAMPLE RECIPE

Chrysanthemum tea · a gentle floral infusion

Pale golden tea made from dried chrysanthemum flowers, lightly sweetened if you like. A fragrant, uncomplicated drink for a quiet pause.

From The Saucey Life kitchen • Serves 2

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Clear pale yellow chrysanthemum tea in a glass cup with a few small dried flowers nearby — AI-generated serving inspiration for a sample recipe.

PREP3 min

COOK5 min

REST5 min

TOTAL13 min

SERVES2

A NOTE FROM THE KITCHEN

Choose flowers sold specifically for tea.

Use food-grade dried chrysanthemum flowers from a tea supplier or Asian grocery. Ornamental flowers from a florist or garden are not an equivalent ingredient. This is a simple flower infusion without added black or green tea; rock sugar is optional.

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Chrysanthemum tea · a gentle floral infusion

Sample recipe awaiting kitchen testing. Timings are estimates.

The good part

Check off each step as you cook.

Prepare the flowers.Put the dried chrysanthemum flowers in a teapot with a fine infuser, or in a heatproof jug. Follow any rinsing instructions on the tea package.
Heat the water.Bring the measured water to a boil, then pour it over the flowers. Cover the pot or jug to hold in the aroma.
Steep and taste.Infuse for 3–5 minutes, tasting after 3 minutes. Remove the infuser or strain through a fine sieve once the flavor is pleasantly floral.
Sweeten if desired.Stir the optional sugar into the hot tea until dissolved, divide between cups, and serve warm.

0 of 4 steps complete

BEHIND THE DISH · China

Chrysanthemum tea · a gentle floral infusionBeyond the plate.

Dried flowers open in hot water to make a pale, fragrant infusion.

ORIGINS & EVOLUTION

A familiar floral drink.

Chrysanthemum is used in Chinese tea-drinking traditions on its own and in blends. A plain flower infusion has a different character from black or green tea, with a gentle floral aroma.

CULTURAL CONTEXT

Simple, with room to adjust.

It may be served unsweetened or with a little sugar. Flower varieties differ, so the amount and steeping time can be adjusted according to taste rather than one rigid strength.

AT THE TABLE

A food-grade pantry ingredient.

Our recipe uses dried flowers sold for brewing and a fine strainer. Leave the infusion unsweetened to appreciate its floral character, or soften it with a little rock sugar dissolved while the tea is warm.

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