One of the world’s oldest ingredients and most popular beverages is tea. There are many legends on the origin of tea and it's discovery, but it is likely to have originated in Yunnan, China during the Shang Dynasty (1500 to 1046 BC). Tea was first introduced to Portuguese priests and merchants in China during the sixteenth century. It found its way to Britain during the seventeenth century and Britain introduced tea growing to India to compete with the Chinese monopoly on tea production.
Among the many varieties of tea, the most visually appealing are the flowering teas. These consist of bundles of dried tea leaves wrapped around one or more dried flowers. Once these bulbs are made they are set to dry, and they remain in a bud shape. To enjoy the visual effect, a glass tea pot is used. As the bulb is steeped it unfurls and a flowering centre piece is produced. Flowers commonly used for these bulbs are globe amaranth, chrysanthemum, jasmine, lily, hibiscus and osmanthus.
After our small dinner gatherings, there is usually someone wanting tea. We all watch with delight as the flower opens and blooms.
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