Blooming teas are hand-rolled tea leaves that are shaped into a neat ball or other forms disguising beautiful tiny flowers. The basis for blooming teas can be green, black or white tea. Young tea buds are gathered early in the spring before they open. The leaves are first left to wilt, then are gently dried and steamed. This makes them pliant enough for hand-rolling. The fresh flowers inside are selected in accordance with colour and shape. The most favoured are jasmine blossom, lilies, marigolds and amaranth flowers. After brewing, the leaves open to reveal the flowers hidden inside. The actual combination of the flowers and tea utilised greatly influences the appearance, aroma and taste of the finished tea. Blooming teas prove to be a wonderful and extraordinary gift.
