How Its Made: Blooming Tea

Blooming Teas or “Display Teas” as some people may know them by, are considered a work of art in the tea world. Though the history of Blooming Tea isn't entirely known, it can trace its origins back to the Yunnan province of China. Tea historians are divided when it comes to the real history and background of this tea, with some claiming that it is a modern invention, while others say it can be traced back hundreds of years. According to the historians who believe it has a long history, Blooming Teas can trace their origins back to the 10th century in the royal courts of China. It is believed that during this time the art of shaping and displaying teas began. In the Chinese courts these teas were not used for drinking though, rather they were used to signify the owners wealth and status or as decor in their homes.

Every Blooming Tea is artistically hand-crafted by artisans in China. For the base of Blooming Tea the most popular ones to use are either green teas and white silver needle teas. Each tea leaf is hand sewn into the fresh flowers found in the center of each tea, after which they are wrapped in cotton yarn and fired. After this step is taken, flavor is added to the Blooming Tea before it is then baked again repeatedly, five times over. A few popular flavors include Lychee, Mango, Guava, and Passion Fruit.

The highly skilled artisans who create these little tea masterpieces believe that their creations symbolize different aspects of life. The three main symbols are love, happiness, and prosperity. With this being the basis of their creations they choose to work with only the highest quality and freshest teas and flowers available to them.