Chrysanthemum Tea
May 4, 2008 – 4:52 pm by wiffyThe weather is sooo hot right now in Singapore that it is becoming unbearable for me 
I really miss the rainy days so much. I feel like an ice cube being left out under the sun to melt, or a person trapped in a gigantic suana, the heatwave is just horrible. How does one cope when things get too hot to handle? Herbal cooling tea (凉茶), in this case, the no-fuss Chrysanthemum Tea - comes to the rescue!
This requires just a few ingredients and takes only 10 minutes to make. It quenches your thirst and has “cooling” properties, which bring down body heat. It is suitable for all seasons & perfect especially for Singapore’s all-year-round tropical weather as well as the hot summer months. Try it! =D
Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶) - chilled
Ingredients
(Serves 2)
50g dried chrysanthemum flowers
10g licorice (liquorice) roots (aka gan zao) - About 8 pieces*
1 litre water
rock sugar
* skip this if you are pregnant or have high-blood pressure
Directions
In a pot, add chrysanthemum, licorice roots and water, bring to a boil. Once the water starts to boil, add rock sugar to taste and off fire (do not boil for too long). Take out the chrysanthemum flowers and licorice roots using a strainer. You may re-use the ingredients by adding water and boiling to brew a second round if you wish.
Drink chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- You can also add 1 tsp of wolfberries if desired.
- There are some types of chrysanthemum flowers which do not require boiling; simply place the ingredients in a cup/tea pot, pour boiling water and let stand for 5 minutes. However, I prefer to bring the ingredients to a brief boil to let the flavours seep in.
This post is my entry for WHB which is hosted by Food Lover’s Journey.
Some Possible Benefits of Chrysanthemum
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- quench thirst - detoxify the body - aid in recovery from influenza, mild sunstroke - ‘cooling’ property which regulates the body’s ‘yin and yang’, reducing internal body heat |
Some Possible Benefits of Licorice Root
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- fight inflammation, infections, and allergies - help soothe coughs and colds - improve digestion - ease menstrual cramps |
Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶)
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Update (17-Jul-08) ::
I’m submitting the last photo for the July 2008 edition of Click! (theme: coffee & tea).
Tags: boiling, Chinese Herbs, Chrysanthemum, cooling, herbal tea, liang teh, licorice, Liquorice, rock sugar, tea, 凉茶
Posted in Blog Events, Chinese, Chinese Herbs, Drinks, Recipes, WHB
18 Responses to “Chrysanthemum Tea”
It became reference very much!!
Moreover, it comes(^o^)/
Please link to this site
By sakura on May 4, 2008
Should have it cold right? Maybe can add some honey or lemon and have some cold honey chrysanthemum tea. It’s also hot in Taiwan but I can imagine hot and humid S’pore! I think I will melt too!
By tigerfish on May 5, 2008
This is indeed something we need to make with this unbearable heat. I like your tea cup.
By didally on May 5, 2008
I like this cold! hehe
By daphne on May 5, 2008
It looks so beautiful! Such nice photographs!
Welcome to The Foodie Blogroll!
By JennDZ_The LeftoverQueen on May 6, 2008
This brings back memories, Wiffy. First time I ever had chrysanthemum tea was at The Golden Unicorn (Chinatown NYC) during a Sunday dim sum lunch. Gorgeous, gorgeous photos!
By Susan on May 6, 2008
I have never tasted chrysanthemum tea, but it looks so lovely. I think it would make wonwderful iced tea!
By Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) on May 6, 2008
Ah! This is definitely one of the most common and easiest drink to make or find around our part of the world
Great pics!
By pablopabla on May 6, 2008
This sounds so yummy and soothing, and wow do I love that last photo. It is beautifully arranged and professional looking. You don’t give yourself enough credit for your photos.
By HoppingHammy on May 7, 2008
By wiffy on May 7, 2008
Chrysanthemum and licorice root tea sound really interesting. I will have to see if I con find some to try.
By Kevin on May 7, 2008
I love these floral herbal teas. Chrysanthemum has amazing light floral flavour and scent that’s just delightful. Cold chrysanthemum on a hot day is as refreshing as it can get.
By Joyce on May 7, 2008
It sounds very interesting. I didn’t even know you can make tea from chrysanthemums.
By Kalyn on May 9, 2008
what pretty photos.
the licorice sounds like a great addition.
By Anna on May 10, 2008
What a great idea, I have never tried chrysanthemum tea yet
By Coffee and Vanilla on May 11, 2008
Beautiful. Lovely pics, looks so gorgeous. I have had chrysanthemums in tea, but not with liquorice root. I will certainly have to try it next summer.
By Vegeyum Ganga on May 11, 2008
Thanks for dropping by my blog, Anna & Vegeyum
By wiffy on May 11, 2008
Chrysanthemum always makes me think of that scene in the Anne of Green Gables movie when she out spells Gilbert Blythe
Love the cup and saucer too! Do you happen to remember where you purchased them?
By Erin on Jul 18, 2008