Tea Mate - Osmanthus

Osmanthus is a fragrant flower with a sweet, honey-like aroma. It enhances the depth of tea while adding a smooth and warming touch. It is a classic ingredient in traditional Chinese tea culture.

Origin: The main production areas of osmanthus in China include Sichuan, Zhejiang, Fujian, and Guangxi, with Hangzhou, Zhejiang, being particularly famous for its golden and silver osmanthus varieties.

The history of osmanthus tea dates back to the Tang Dynasty. According to Compendium of Materia Medica, osmanthus is believed to “warm the lungs, dispel cold, and relieve cough.” Ancient scholars and poets often infused osmanthus into their tea for its refreshing and uplifting fragrance. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, people traditionally add osmanthus to their tea to enhance the festive atmosphere.

The History of Flowers and Tea: A Fragrant Legacy Through Time

During the Tang Dynasty, the cool autumn breeze carried the delicate scent of osmanthus throughout Chang’ An. Aristocratic women would host intimate tea banquets in their courtyards, infusing osmanthus into their tea while admiring the moon and composing poetry. The sweet fragrance of osmanthus slowly unfolded in the tea, like a soft whisper under the golden autumn night.

It is said that Emperor Xuanzong and his beloved consort, Yang Guifei, once shared a cup of osmanthus tea in the imperial garden of Huaqing Palace. Under the luminous moonlight, a gentle breeze rustled the osmanthus trees, causing golden petals to drift into their tea cups. The blend of tea and flower created a dreamy, ethereal aroma. Moved by the moment, the emperor softly recited, “When golden wind and jade dew meet, surpassing all earthly encounters.” From that night on, osmanthus tea became a treasured drink in the imperial court, symbolizing romance and poetic elegance.