Tea Mate - Lily

Lily flowers have a subtle and elegant fragrance with a naturally sweet and soothing taste. They are commonly used in wellness teas and help balance the astringency of tea leaves.

Lilies are mainly grown in Hunan, Fujian, and Yunnan, with Longshan lilies from Hunan being the most renowned.

In ancient China, lily tea was regarded as a calming and tranquilizing drink. According to Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica, lilies are known for their ability to soothe the mind and improve sleep. In royal courts of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, noblewomen frequently enjoyed lily tea before bedtime for relaxation. When paired with rock tea, lilies mellow the roasted notes while enhancing the tea’s natural sweetness.

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

Lilies have long been associated with purity and tranquility, often considered a symbol of peace. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, empresses and concubines drank lily tea every evening to aid restful sleep. As the rain gently tapped against palace windows, deep within the Forbidden City, a warm cup of lily tea would be carefully prepared. The delicate floral aroma, light sweetness, and clear tea broth brought a sense of calm, as though whispering centuries of unspoken tenderness.

It is said that Emperor Qianlong’s mother adored lily-infused rock tea. Every night, palace maids would steep the tea carefully, allowing the lily fragrance to gently infuse into the brew. As she sipped the tea, she would close her eyes and listen to the soft rhythm of rain outside, finding peace in the floral embrace of the tea. Over time, lily tea became an imperial treasure, known for its ability to soothe the mind and restore inner harmony.