Osmanthus Green Tea

Osmanthus tea is produced in a similar fashion to jasmine tea. A layer of osmanthus blooms are placed between the fresh tea leaves and the delicate scent of osmanthus is allowed to permeate the tea. Following this, most of the osmanthus blooms are blended into the tea to enhance the visual appeal as well as boost the flavor. Osmanthus blooms are very delicate and the aroma from the blossoms is equally delicate resulting in mild peach flavor notes on the tea.

Flowers play an important part in Chinese life and osmanthus is no exception. Osmanthus flowers are said to improve digestion and make the ‘tea drinker’ live a longer and healthier life. Combine this with the health benefits of green tea and you achieve a tea that is particularly popular in Chinese life.

Some active ingredients in Green Tea are:
Polyphenols - antioxidants that are responsible for disease prevention and treatment. The polyphenols in green tea epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin.
Caffeine - a stimulant found in green tea in small amounts.
Aromatic Oils - As many as 500 different aromatic oils in tealeaves contribute to the flavor and aroma of tea.
Nutrients- The nutrients are present in very small amounts: vitamins including vitamin C, minerals (e.g. fluoride, manganese) and amino acids such as theanine.

Hot tea brewing method: When preparing by the cup, this tea can be used repeatedly - about 3 times. The secret is to use water that is about 180’F or 80’C. Place 1 teaspoon in your cup let the tea steep for about 3 minutes and then begin enjoying a cup of enchantment - do not remove the leaves from the cup. Once the water level is low - add more water, and so on and so on - until the flavor of the tea is exhausted. Look at the pattern of the leaves in the brew, not only do they foretell your fortune but you can see the bud and shoots presenting themselves, looking like they are about to be plucked.

Alternatively as with all top quality teas, scoop 2-4 teaspoons of tea into the teapot, pour in boiling water that has been freshly drawn (previously boiled water has lost most of its oxygen and therefore tends to be flat tasting), steep for 2-4 minutes (to taste), stir (virtually all the leaves will sink -the flowers may float), pour into your cup but do not add milk or sugar since green tea is enjoyed ‘straight-up’.

Iced tea brewing method: (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 6 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. [A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to double the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.]