Quail flower tea, more commonly known as chrysanthemum tea, is a beloved beverage celebrated for its delicate floral aroma and subtly sweet flavor. This refreshing drink, steeped from the blossoms of the chrysanthemum flower, offers more than just a pleasant taste; it's been traditionally used for its potential health benefits, including soothing the eyes and promoting relaxation. Its vibrant yellow hue and delightful fragrance make it a perfect choice for a tranquil afternoon or a calming evening ritual. Beyond its simple elegance, chrysanthemum tea offers a surprising versatility, lending itself to various infusions and flavor combinations.
Discover the simple art of brewing the perfect cup of chrysanthemum tea with our easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide. We'll walk you through the process, from selecting the right blossoms to achieving the ideal brewing temperature and time, ensuring your cup is brimming with the unique character and refreshing qualities of this exquisite tea. Prepare to unlock the soothing secrets of this ancient and beloved beverage.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Bowl
- Strainer
- Bottles
Ingredients
- Chrysanthemum flowers: 30g
- Red apple (sliced): 50g
- Red dates: 50g
- Rock sugar: 200g
- Salt: 1/3 tablespoon
- La Han Guo (Monk Fruit): 20g
- Water: 10 liters
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Boil the Infusion
- Briefly wash all ingredients (chrysanthemum, red dates, la han guo) to remove dirt. Don't wash thoroughly to preserve nutrients.
- Place red dates, la han guo, and chrysanthemum flowers in a pot with 10 liters of water.
- Cut la han guo into small pieces to aid in color and flavor extraction.
- Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add the chrysanthemum flowers and cook for 1 minute to release aroma.
- Cover and steep the chrysanthemum for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat during steeping.
Step 2. Strain and Sweeten
- Strain the tea, removing chrysanthemum flowers and la han guo. Discard the solids.
- Add the sliced red apples and rock sugar to the strained tea. Add 1/3 teaspoon of salt.
- Cook the mixture until the sugar melts and the apples are cooked. Then turn off the heat.
Step 3. Finish and Chill
- Add the red dates after removing from heat to prevent sourness. Allow to cool completely.
- Once cooled, bottle the tea and refrigerate. It can be stored for up to 7 days.
Read more: Quick & Easy Dry Chicken Noodle Pho Recipe
Tips
- Use large chrysanthemum flowers for a more fragrant tea.
- Adjust the amount of rock sugar to your preference.
- The salt helps balance the sweetness.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use dried or fresh chrysanthemum flowers?
Both work! Dried flowers are more readily available and convenient, while fresh flowers offer a more intense flavor. Adjust brewing time accordingly; fresh flowers may need less steeping time.
2. What are the health benefits of chrysanthemum tea?
Chrysanthemum tea is believed to have several benefits, including soothing eye strain, reducing inflammation, and promoting relaxation. However, it's not a replacement for medical treatment.
Enjoy your perfectly brewed cup of cooling chrysanthemum tea – a simple pleasure with a multitude of benefits. This refreshing beverage is the perfect antidote to a hot day or a moment of needed calm. So, sit back, relax, and savor the delicate floral notes of this easy-to-make tea.