The Art of Rose-Scented Tea
At first, scented tea can feel like a mystery. How do tea leaves come to smell so vividly of roses when there are no rosebuds visible in the blend? As it turns out, there’s an art to it. Read on to learn more.
At first, scented tea can feel like a mystery. How do tea leaves come to smell so vividly of roses when there are no rosebuds visible in the blend? As it turns out, there’s an art to it. Read on to learn more.
The centuries-old practice of scenting tea originated in China, evolving into a revered art form by the 1300s. While modern methods of scenting can involve flavors or additives, we prefer to rose-scent our teas the slow, traditional way, as this produces the best-quality taste and aroma.
As with all fine arts, rose-scenting tea takes time, patience and skilled craftsmanship. First, the rose buds are picked when they are just beginning to bloom and are at their aromatic peak. Then, the tea is nestled between rose buds in multiple layers and left to infuse. This process is repeated two or three times, until the tea has fully absorbed the aroma. Once infused, the roses are sifted from the tea leaves and the tea is lightly baked. This last step is important, as removing the rose buds produces the most refined taste.
Rishi Rose Black. Scented with fresh, fragrant rose buds, this loose leaf, organic black tea has a rich, malty flavor and a sweet finish.
Opposites attract. That’s why flowers and tea are such a sublime pairing. A flower at the height of its bloom releases its fragrance into the air. Tea, on the other hand, is remarkably receptive, capable of absorbing the subtlest of aromas from its surroundings. When placed alongside fresh roses, the tea leaves pick up their aromatic imprint, transforming into something new and delightful.
For the finest fragrance experience, the quality of the tea itself is just as important as the way in which it’s scented. We think traditionally fermented Dian Hong black tea (Mengku Da Ye Zhong) from Yunnan is the perfect canvas for the rose-scenting process. Its sweet, mellow flavor pairs beautifully with the floral depth of roses, creating an elegant tea that’s both aromatic and romantic.
RishiRose Scented Dian Hong. Distinguished by notes of rose water, caramel and citrus, this sweet, malty organic black tea is sourced from old-growth forests in Yunnan and scented with fragrant rose buds grown in the same province.
When searching for your next flower-scented tea, look for those crafted with care and scented in the traditional, natural way. This caliber of tea offers a seductive sensory experience that goes beyond taste. It’s an invitation to escape the mundane and revel in romance—if only for a moment.
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