Foodie Friday First: Osmanthus Tea

I tried out a new drink…

Osmanthus tea: an earthy tea infused with the yellow flowers

osmanthus tea

I’m one of those people who order the same thing over and over again at a restaurant. What can I say? Usually when I venture out and order something new, I dislike it. My tried-and-true beverage of choice is jasmine green tea. On a recent trip to the local cafe, though, my hubby urged me to drink something different. I ended up ordering osmanthus tea.

Despite its floral origins, osmanthus tea didn’t taste very flowery to me. Instead, it had a very grainy flavor. It reminded me of Korean barley tea. Like its counterpart, this is an acquired taste. You have to be prepared for the earthy and bitter tones.

Osmanthus is a golden-yellow flower, renowned for its fragrance. In fact, it’s the “city flower” of a few places in China, including Hangzhou and Guilin. The plant is related to the olive family and is also known as “sweet olive”–this may account for its nutty taste. Consuming the flower tea is supposed to take away toxins and promote beautiful skin (but I didn’t notice any difference).

Fun fact: Since it symbolizes love and romance, osmanthus is a plant often used in traditional Taiwanese weddings. 

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Comments

  1. Veronica Roth says

    I looked it up. Doesn’t sound like something I’d like. I’m also such a habitual person. Missing my Earl Grey tea here in Mexico something rotten! But good for you for trying it. :D k

  2. Love jasmine green tea too! Isn’t it sweet that the tea your husband picked for you symbolizes romance and love? I had never heard of it, although I love tea a lot.

    • Jennifer J. Chow says

      Very sweet. I don’t think he was aware of the symbolism beforehand, but maybe it was all in his subconscious.

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