Chrysanthemums have been used in China for many things ~ for over 2 thousand years ... by Carrie: "NightStar Wytch"

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

Chrysanthemum Tea

Chrysanthemums have been used in China for many things ~ for over 2 thousand years ...

Chrysanthemum Tea.......commonly drunk in China, and gaining popularity here in the United States,Chrysanthemum tea is actually not a true tea, "but an tisane (herbal infusion) made from dried Chrysanthemum Buds and/or Flowers".

This " caffeine-free "drink is delicious both hot and iced, and while it can be made with a bit of sugar or honey,and it has its own tasty floral sweetness as well...

Things you need:

Dried Chrysanthemum buds/or flowers

Tablespoon

Measuring cup

Teapot

Infuser basket (optional)

Fine strainer (optional)

Heat-resistant pitcher (for the iced tea version)

Chrysanthemum HOT Tea:
1
Put fresh, cold, filtered water into a kettle and set it to boil.

2
Measure out "1" tbsp. of Chrysanthemum for each 8 oz. of water.

3
Put the Chrysanthemum into a teapot (or the infuser basket inside a teapot). If you use a glass teapot, you will have the pleasure of watching the blossoms unfurl as they infuse.

*[[make sure glass pitcheris heat resistant so it will not crack or shatter]]

4
Pour the boiling water into the teapot.

5
Set a timer for five to eight minutes. The longer you allow the Chrysanthemum to infuse, the stronger the flavor.

6
Pour the Chrysanthemum tea into cups.

Because 'very fine pieces' of Chrysanthemum 'may be present in the infusion', you may want to pour the tea 'through a fine mesh strainer' even ifyour teapot has its own filter screen or infuser basket.

Chrysanthemum COLD Tea:
1
Prepare hot Chrysanthemum tea a's instructed above', but use "2" tbsp. of dried Chrysanthemum per 8 oz. of water.

2
Fill a heat-resistant pitcher with ice.

3
Pour the infused tea into the pitcher through a fine mesh strainer.

4
Fill glasses with ice and pour the tea over the ice. Store the rest of the tea in the refrigerator.

Tips and Warnings

**Both 'white' and 'yellow' ... 'dried Chrysanthemum' can be found at many Asian markets, as well as online, and each has its own distinct taste.

Try both to see which you prefer.

**If you don't have a teapot, you can use paper tea filters (empty tea bags) and any cup or mug to make your tea.

**Many people don't bother with filters and strainers, and just prepare Chrysanthemum tea "in a "Gaiwan" (a Chinese covered cup, available at Asian markets). Just add the buds/or flowers, pour boiling water on top, wait a few minutes and drink. Use the lid of the cup to push the flowers away as you drink the tea.