Yesterday I was given two packages of tea from Flora Tea. I only recently came across the idea of flower tea when I was snooping around Silk Road for my last entry. And then suddenly, I'm given some. It's from a company called Flora Tea. The package didn't say which one this is, but from watching their video, I would say it's probably Flower Lover. Why would a company have a video on-line but no catalogue?
Thankfully, I have the perfect Bodum cups for this, so I warmed one up with hot water and popped in the rather unattractive looking ball of leaves. Poured in boiling water and watched my flower unfold. It was very lovely to watch. I confess, it looks somewhat alien though.
I can smell the green tea and something else... maybe jasmine? I'm not sure. It isn't my usual type of tea as I tend to avoid green tea like the plague. I think it's jasmine, anyway. The taste is nice for a green tea - not as bitter as many of them can be. But, I'm puzzled as to how to drink this without straining petals through my teeth.
My cup, which I thought was perfect, is actually too small. The flower base is confined and hasn't opened fully and the floating flower isn't stretched to its full height. I feel almost guilty drinking it, as I am slowly sipping away the flower's medium and forcing it to sink back upon itself.
Two things would make this better for me. Firstly, if it had been put into a clear teapot and then I could enjoy watching it bloom then pour it into a teacup and not have to strain through my teeth. Secondly, a bit of honey or something else sweet. I wonder if you can get any of these as black teas?
