Osmanthus Green Tea

Osmanthus Green Tea, often referred to as “Gui Hua Cha” (桂花茶) in Mandarin, is a traditional Chinese scented tea. It’s made by combining dried green tea leaves with fresh osmanthus flowers, which imparts a naturally sweet and floral aroma to the tea. Here’s an in-depth look at Osmanthus Green Tea:

1. Osmanthus Flower: The osmanthus flower, or “gui hua” (桂花), is a small, golden-yellow bloom with a distinctive sweet and fragrant aroma. It’s native to East Asia, especially China, and has been used for centuries in tea, culinary dishes, and traditional medicine.

2. Processing:
– Harvest: Both the green tea leaves and osmanthus flowers are typically harvested in early autumn, which is when osmanthus flowers bloom.
– Scenting: Fresh osmanthus flowers are spread out amongst dried green tea leaves. As the flowers release their essential oils, the tea leaves absorb the fragrance. This process can be repeated several times, with fresh flowers replacing the old ones, to intensify the aroma.
– Drying: After the scenting process, the tea is dried to remove any remaining moisture.

3. Taste and Aroma:
– Osmanthus Green Tea has a unique dual aroma – the freshness and slight astringency of green tea combined with the sweet and floral notes of osmanthus flowers. This results in a gentle, sweet, peach-like taste with the underlying fresh characteristics of green tea.

4. Brewing:
– Use water just below boiling (around 80-85°C or 175-185°F).
– Steep for 2-3 minutes, depending on personal preference. It can be re-infused multiple times, revealing different nuances with each steeping.

5. Cultural Significance:
– In Chinese culture, osmanthus flowers are highly regarded not only for their delightful fragrance but also for their cultural and poetic significance. They are symbols of love and romance. Combining them with tea can be seen as a union of two noble elements of nature.
– Osmanthus Green Tea might also be consumed during the Mid-Autumn Festival in some regions of China, given the flowering period of the Osmanthus coincides with this festival.

6. Variations: While green tea is a popular base, osmanthus flowers can also be blended with oolong, black, or white teas, each offering a unique taste profile.

Osmanthus Green Tea provides a delightful sensory experience, merging the fresh qualities of green tea with the aromatic, sweet notes of osmanthus flowers. It stands as a testament to the art of tea scenting and the deep appreciation for nature in Chinese tea culture.