When I started this challenge, I put some principles in place. For instance, I would not write about a blend as I’m totally against it. I have made an exception for Jasmine Tea as it has been going on for ages and extremely popular all over the world and even if it is possibly one of my least favourite teas, it deserves to be included among green tea varieties. Apart from this, I also created a herbal tea category, and this was because I appreciate them and treat them as teas. Camellia Blossom Tea is not a tea even if it comes from the camellia sinensis plant, it is the flower of the plant rather than the leaves. However, in my opinion, camellia blossom classifies as a tisane (its definition is "a beverage made with plants other than Camellia sinensis") that is closest to actual tea.
After this confusing intro, I wanted to tell you that I like this tea. While searching about it I have read that tea flowers are not particularly liked by the tea farmers as it is perceived to interrupt the growth of the leaves. However, camellia blossom tea has its own market due to its nice infusion and some farmers do produce and sell it.
These were grown by a Turkish tea farmer and producer Mr Yogurtcu who studied organic agriculture and has been producing as he calls it ‘all colours of tea’ for the last three years in his own plantation. Processing the flowers is not an easy process as they require delicate handling and shade-drying. I enjoyed the linden-like flavour of the Camellia Blossom which started off sweet but ended slightly bitter for me. This tea has a very little amount of caffeine and is suitable for drinking in the evening.
It does not taste like tea at all, but if I have to say I’d say it is closer to white tea (aged one with bolder flavours). Apart from its different taste, Camellia Blossoms have also several health benefits including some anti-viral property which make them a go-to tea especially these days when a big part of the globe is fighting against the dreadful virus.
I am happy to discover this tea, especially at this time. I will make it my evening tea and will certainly not blend it with any other teas as recommended by some sellers online.
Thank you Mr Yogurtcu for introducing me to Camellia Blossom Tea!
Tea Profile:
Type: Herbal
Origin: Turkey
Harvest time: 2019
Leave colour: Yellowish white flowers with some green leaves
Liquor colour: Light orange
Tea aroma: Fruity
Tea taste: Slightly sweet with astringent finish
Steeping/brewing: Put two tea spoons of Camellia Blossom in hot water (200 ml) around 90°C and brew for up to one minute in gongfu style or up to three minutes in Western-style. You can brew the leaves a couple of times (until the taste is lost). To each infusion add additional time. Experiment for a result that suits your taste.
Shelf life: Up to 24 months
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