Snow Mountain Chrysanthemum Tea

Kunlun Shan Ju Hua (昆仑山菊花), Snow Mountain Chrysanthemum Tea is a highly prized variety of chrysanthemum tea that comes from the Kunlun Mountains in China. Here’s a detailed look:

1. Origin: Kunlun Mountain Chrysanthemum tea is primarily harvested in the Kunlun Mountains of the Qinghai Province in China. The high-altitude and cold climate of this region are believed to contribute to the unique flavor and purported health benefits of the tea.

2. Appearance: The chrysanthemum flowers used in this tea are typically large, bright white, and have a distinct snow petal appearance. When steeped, they unfurl beautifully in the water.

3. Flavour and Aroma: This tea has a delicate and slightly sweet taste with a refreshing, clean aroma. Some describe it as having honey or fruity undertones.

4. Brewing: Kunlun Mountain Chrysanthemum can be brewed on its own or sometimes combined with other teas or ingredients. When brewing, it’s common to pour hot water over a few dried blossoms and let them steep for several minutes. The blossoms will unfurl and float atop the water, making for a visually pleasing tea experience.

5. Health Benefits: Chrysanthemum tea, including the Kunlun variety, has long been consumed in traditional Chinese medicine for its purported health benefits. Some of these benefits include:
– Cooling properties: It’s believed to help reduce internal heat and can be consumed to combat heat-related symptoms.
– Eye health: It’s often recommended for those who spend long hours in front of screens or have eye discomfort.
– Detoxifying effects: Some believe it helps with detoxification, particularly for the liver.
– Immune support: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

6. Storage: It’s recommended to store chrysanthemum tea in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Proper storage ensures the tea maintains its flavour and health benefits.

7. Cultural Significance: Chrysanthemum tea, including varieties like Kunlun Mountain Chrysanthemum, holds cultural significance in Chinese culture. It’s often consumed during the Double Ninth Festival (Chongyang Festival), where drinking chrysanthemum tea is customary.

While Kunlun Mountain Chrysanthemum Tea is one of the many varieties of chrysanthemum tea available, its unique origin and growing conditions make it especially revered among tea enthusiasts and practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine.