Chrysanthemum Tea
This winter has been lovely for my Bo Jo Hua Chrysanthemum tea plants! I first saw them several years back, at my friend Melissa's Van Hevlingen Herb booth at the Farmers Market. She had two varieties, which bloom in the late fall like other Mums.
Bo Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum morifolium) doesn't set reliable seed, so is only available as plants - and I got one to try in my garden! When I moved across town, I brought it with me.
Bo Jo Hua and ginkgo on the drying rack
Married to a botanist for 20 years, I've enjoyed herbal tea or tissues since the 70s, and growing up, drank green and black tea with my mama. I grow many culinary herbs, and have tended a small Edible Landscaping tea garden for two years.
I found several blog posts about tea chrysanthemum, which support the liver, eye health, and are good for the heart, type 2 diabetes and easing headaches! (Sage Garden Theory) on a Growing Tradition, Thomas recounted his search for the plants and eventual success.
Thought generally safe, folks who are sensitive to ragweed and other plants in the Composite family may need to avoid it. The taste is similar to Chamomile, also in that family (and if you enjoy chamomile tea, Chrysanthemum may be a nice addition!)
Bo Jo Hua Chrysanthemum
Melissa said her plants bloom on Halloween, and into November... Here are mine in January! Yes, they're near the end - but January!!The flowers are first collected mid day, and can be used fresh, or dried then stored.
I'm very happy with my harvest -I've collected a small jar full between mid November and today!
Do you enjoy herbal tea?
Not a tea drinker myself, but I am fascinated by the healing powers of the various herbs.
ReplyDeleteHerbs offer so many benefits! I appreciate the many options for crafting tasty, healthy beverages using them.
ReplyDeleteI love all kinds of tea, that's my only drink other than hot cocoa but I sometimes add chai tea to that. Your blooms are great for January and I'll have to check on chrysanthemum tea!
ReplyDeleteChai is so good!
DeleteI had a housemate at Breitenbush who was one of the kitchen crew, and our other housemate Emily and I would beg him to make us Chai - from scratch, simmering whole herbs!! It was sooo good!!
He kept telling us we could make it - and we'd offer to wash dishes 😃 (Ray also cooked amazing meals!)
I love chrysanthemums! They are so beautiful. I also love herbal tea, but have to avoid the flower ones because of my allergies.
ReplyDeleteI am drinking more tea in my later years as i cut back on the amount of coffee I drink. My preferences are green tea or chamomile. As for Chrysanthemums, I have only admired the flowers and given them as gifts.
ReplyDeleteBlog on !