This maybe the easiest recipe that I have ever posted, but it is too good not to be shared with you. I grew up drinking this tea. My mom always made it for my sister and I during hot summer days. When we came home from school, it was really nice to have a cup of cold sweet tea.
Chrysanthemum tea is made with dried Chrysanthemum flowers, water and sugar. It is sweet with an amazing floral scent. Light and refreshing. It is a very common and popular tea within Chinese. It is said that the tea aids in the recovery from cold and flu. It is also a cooling herb which can reduce the body temperature, which is perfect for summer time. I don’t know if Chrysanthemum tea really have any medical benefits, but it sure is a nice tea to enjoy.
One interesting side story: When I first saw the word “Chrysanthemum”, I just didn’t know how to pronounce it. Bryan repeated the word again and again, but I still couldn’t remember it. Out of nowhere, I came to realize the word “Chrysanthemum” sounds a lot like “Chris and his mom”. When you say “Chris and his mom” really fast, it would sound like “Chrysanthemum”. Ever since then, I can pronounce this word perfectly. 🙂
Last but not least, I will be taking a break and traveling, so I won’t be blogging for 3 weeks. Please check back on the week of February 9th. Meanwhile, follow me (@missinglokness) on Instagram for the latest photo updates. Stay tune!
Chrysanthemum Tea
2 large serving cups
Ingredients:
– 4 cups water
– 2 ounces rock sugar
– 20 – 25 pieces dried chrysanthemum
Directions:
- In a small pot over high heat, bring the water to boil. Add the rock sugar and cook until the sugar has melted, stirring occasionally. Add the dried flowers. Cover with a lid and turn off the heat.
- If you would like to drink the tea right away, serve immediately after 5-minute of steeping.
- For storage, let the tea steep for 30 minutes. Remove the flowers. Let the tea cool to room temperature. Transfer to a container and keep in fridge. It can be stored for 2 days.
- You can either drink it cold or you can reheat in the microwave for a hot drink.
Tips:
- Rock sugar can be found in most Asian supermarkets, like 99 Ranch Market. If you can’t find it, you can use regular sugar, but probably not 2 ounces. Taste and adjust to your liking.
- I bought my dried chrysanthemum from a Taiwanese tea store, Tea Station in San Gabriel, Los Angeles. You should be able to find them in online or some local tea stores.
I love chrysanthemum tea! It was my favorite tea while I was growing up too, you reminded me that I haven’t had any in a while 🙂 Happy Chinese New Year and hope you have a wonderful trip in HK and can’t wait to hear all about it when you get back!
Yea? Me too! It is a good time for some hot sweet tea. Happy Chinese New Year to you and your family too! 🙂
I wrote about this during the horrible haze in Malaysia last year. You’ve reminded me that I have a pack of chrysanthemum flowers still on my counter top. Must do something with it soon! What do you say about some chrysanthemum tea jelly?
PS: Have a great, well-deserved break! 🙂
Oh yea, I remember it now. Chrysanthemum tea jelly sounds awesome. What a brilliant idea!
I’m more into jasmine and rose tea but This sound very calming and refreshing, I would love to try this. Happy Chinese New Year 🙂
Thank you, Atika! This is a very nice sweet tea. I hope you will like it!
I love all sorts of teas, but I’ve never made Chrysanthemum tea from the dried flowers. I need to go shopping for them!
Chrysanthemum tea is my all time favorite. Hope you can get your hands on them. Enjoy!
I love Chrysanthemum tea and we often choose it when we go to dim sum. I am not sure where we can get it but assume somewhere in Asian supermarket (where I have never paid attention to…). I gotta check it out. I do have rock sugar already (used for Chinese cooking before). Can’t wait to make it at home! Thank you for sharing.
And now I remember you were going to Japan in January. I hope you’re having a great time! There are so many places to go within Tokyo! Have a safe trip. 🙂
I thought you have to pay extra for ordering chrysanthemum tea in dim sum places. I have to try doing that now. But yea, you should be able to find dried chrysanthemum very easy.
Haha…. good memory! Yes, we went to Tokyo for a few days, then stayed in Hong Kong for a week or so. It was a fantastic trip. Thanks for all the tips. I will post some pictures later.
Hi! I was wondering if you ever ran into this tea changing colors (specifically into a blue-green color)? I left some leftover tea in a cup overnight and noticed the color change the next morning! Wasn’t sure if this was something you’ve experienced before or if you happen to know if this is indicator that the tea has gone bad! Thanks so much!
Hi Anne, I have not seen this personally. It’s likely caused by natural chemical reaction. But it’s best not to oversoak tea and not to drink overnight tea if not refrigerated.