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Tea and the art of serving it properly are very old. Chinese history contains the first records of serving tea, and it’s no wonder that they are also credited with creating blooming tea, the latest trend in tea drinking. Imagine being able to combine the goodness of green tea with the beauty of flowers. Now, you can do just that.

Also called GongYi Hua Cha, which means “art flower tea”, blooming tea is also called hand-tied tea, art-teas or blossoming tea. The way in which the tea acts and develops explains these many names. One look at the flower in the cup says a thousand words.

A blooming tea is a hand tied gathering of tea leaves and flower blossoms. The bundle is tied with cotton string and dried. When hot water is poured over the bundle, the leaves expand and unfurl like a blossoming flower. Blooming tea is almost always made of green tea leaves.

Many different types of flowers can be used in a blossoming tea. Carnations, roses and chrysanthemums as well as jasmine flowers and mountain tea blossoms are very typical to be used in the bundle. Marigold, lilies, globe amaranth and hibiscus are also tied next to green tea leaves to make the blossoming tea bundles.

Blossoming tea is not the same as other teas and has a few important differences. One is that it should be served or presented in glass vessels, so that guests may see the unfurling action themselves. It is also considered very aromatic, and does not turn bitter as steeping continues.

Green tea is usually used for blossoming teas, and has found its way into many areas. Tea has a history of use dating back to the 10th century B. C. It’s also been found that China produced the first book on how tea should be prepared and bought. Tea has traditionally been used in Chinese medicine and cuisine both.

Another use for tea in China and other Asian and eastern countries is that of the tea ceremony. A tea ceremony consists of special ways to prepare the tea, the equipment used in tea preparation and serving, as well as in how the tea is served. A tea culture has developed in many countries outside of China, all around the tea ceremony.

The sharing and serving of tea to others is a traditional practice. It is also very formal. People of the lower classes served tea to their superiors, and the young often bought and served tea to their elders. Serving tea to parents is also sometimes still done in a wedding ceremony by the bride and groom, a way of saying thank you for raising us well. And in other cases, the serving of tea is synonymous with serving an apology for a wrong one has done to another. The blooming tea that is today very fashionable still has many important purposes, as it is quickly replacing traditional flower bouquets as a gift for special occasions.

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Blooming tea is delightful, for not only your eyes but also, your mouth. Tied together by hand is the foliage from selected tea plants along with a flower that has not bloomed yet. When this bundle has boiling water poured over it a wondrous flower will unfurl.

A vast collection of flowers are used in the green tea bundles including lavender, chrysanthemum, lily and jasmine. These are held together with cotton, and all tied by hand. Originating in China these are now sold in other areas of the world.

Using a clear glass container is recommended for viewing the flower as it reveals itself from the bundle. When set in a pretty bowl, this can be brought to the table and used as your main viewing piece. After the flower appears the tea can be poured for a flavorful drink. You can add water to watch this happen several times.

You will be amazed at the creative display that comes into sight when your tea ball opens. Some of the flowering teas are made to present two dragons that appear to be fighting. Another shows what looks like a woven bin complete with a hand grip. The sight is both beautiful and calming.

The tea is bundled together with the flower bud so that the leaves will not come out into your cup or your mouth. Because the bundle stays in the bowl you create it in, when you pour hot water over it again you see the beautiful flower appear more than once. The flavor will also last as long as the display does.

From an area in China that is well known for the wonderful green tea it grows, these tea leaves and the flowers bud are picked by hand in early spring. After being separated for the perfect leaves and buds, they are presented to a tea artist. The artist must follow strict directions for tying these bundles together.

This form of creating flowering tea has existed in China for decades as an art. It has only recently become popular in areas outside of the country, where it is called art tea, hand tied tea or flowering tea. In China, where this art form originated these teas are called the “art flowering tea”.

Blooming tea arrangements are sold in sets with a glass teapot or bowl, or in bulk tea balls. The glass teapot does not have to be purchased, the flowering tea looks just as pretty served in a wine glass. However you choose to display the tea be sure to sit back and watch the wonder unfold.

Looking to find the single source of helpful information on tea gifts?