Tea as a drink for both formal and casual situations is very old historically. The history of the Chinese people demonstrates just how old and revered tea has been and still is today. The latest trend in teas is that of the blooming tea, where the goodness of green tea is combined with the beauty of flowers.

Also called GongYi Hua Cha, which means "art flower tea", blooming tea is also called hand-tied tea, art-teas or blossoming tea. The way in which the tea acts and develops explains these many names. One look at the flower in the cup says a thousand words.

A blooming tea is a hand tied gathering of tea leaves and flower blossoms. The bundle is tied with cotton string and dried. When hot water is poured over the bundle, the leaves expand and unfurl like a blossoming flower. Blooming tea is almost always made of green tea leaves.

Many different types of flowers can be used in a blossoming tea. Carnations, roses and chrysanthemums as well as jasmine flowers and mountain tea blossoms are very typical to be used in the bundle. Marigold, lilies, globe amaranth and hibiscus are also tied next to green tea leaves to make the blossoming tea bundles.

Blossoming tea is not the same as other teas and has a few important differences. One is that it should be served or presented in glass vessels, so that guests may see the unfurling action themselves. It is also considered very aromatic, and does not turn bitter as steeping continues.

Green tea has been used in China for many things. Tea itself has a history that dates back to the tenth century B. C. And it is in China's history that the first book on how to buy and prepare tea can be found. Tea is used in Chinese medicine as well as in Chinese cuisine.

The tea ceremony is a very prominent part of Chinese culture. The various ways that tea is prepared, and how it is presented as well as the equipment used varies according to intention. Many countries have a tea culture that originates from China itself.

The sharing and serving of tea to others is a traditional practice. It is also very formal. People of the lower classes served tea to their superiors, and the young often bought and served tea to their elders. Serving tea to parents is also sometimes still done in a wedding ceremony by the bride and groom, a way of saying thank you for raising us well. And in other cases, the serving of tea is synonymous with serving an apology for a wrong one has done to another. The blooming tea that is today very fashionable still has many important purposes, as it is quickly replacing traditional flower bouquets as a gift for special occasions.

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Blooming tea is a true visual treat. Tea leaves are bundled together by hand with a flower bud, when steeped in water the flower unfurls to reveal a beautiful flower. Sit back and relax while you wait for the flavor to spread and your flower to appear.

The Oolong tea and bud are tied together using cotton, all done by hand in China. These are becoming very popular around the world. You can purchase a variety of tea with flowering buds including jasmine, lavender, lily, chrysanthemum.

You no longer have to bring tea in bags to your table, now you can take a small tea ball, place it in a glass and watch the flower slowly appear. This can placed in the center of your table to let everyone delight in the beauty and then enjoy the flavor or the tea. You can come back when the glass is empty, add more hot water and enjoy the display again. With some tea, this can be done up to 15 times.

Some teas are made to show beautiful scenes when the flower unfurls. You may be surprised as your tea steeps, your flower bud opens and you see dragons facing head to head, or a basket complete with handle. The display is wondrous and relaxing.

The tea is bundled together with the flower bud so that the leaves will not come out into your cup or your mouth. Because the bundle stays in the bowl you create it in, when you pour hot water over it again you see the beautiful flower appear more than once. The flavor will also last as long as the display does.

From an area in China that is well known for the wonderful green tea it grows, these tea leaves and the flowers bud are picked by hand in early spring. After being separated for the perfect leaves and buds, they are presented to a tea artist. The artist must follow strict directions for tying these bundles together.

These flowering teas have been made in China for decades. This is considered an art that may date back to the Ming Dynasty. In China this tea is called the art flowering tea. Outside of china people call them flowering tea, hand tied tea or art tea.

Blooming Tea is available for purchase together with glass bowls or teapots. You can buy the tea alone also. The blooming display is beautiful when viewed in any clear wine glass or bowl. When you do pour the hot water over the tea take the time to relax and watch the beauty unfurl.

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I have something to share with you. I am an artist and enjoy the ability to create items with my hands. When I heard that Blooming Tea was becoming a new medium, I was awe struck. I love learning new techniques. But, how would this be done?

It take about two years minimum for an artist to reach the caliber to create the effect of tea leaves bursting open in a cup. They have to train to be this good. This is an art form of tradition and is extremely outstanding. The leaves are put together, usually around a blossom, and gradually open to expose this elegant creation.

Now, I really love drinking tea. Almost any kind of tea. Black, green, white, orange, it does not make much of a difference to me. I enjoy trying different things for my tongue to enjoy. I am not afraid of new experiences. Whether the tea has milk, sugar, honey, lemon or other tastes, I do not mind. I know that tea is good for my body and for my mind.

This is how the effect works. You place boiling water in a cup and then put in your "flower". Slowly, as you watch, your tea will "flourish" into a gorgeous piece of ingenuity. Not only is it inspiring to see but, it tastes wonderful as well. This type of beverage is full of antioxidants and is very good for your health.

When I first heard about this, I had many doubts. I have been a connoisseur of tea for a few years now. I do enjoy the black pekoe types and drink them often. What will this tea do for me? Is it necessary to have a "dramatic" change for the tea to help me? Is this only a fad, so people will feel inclined to buy? Is it worth the money?

I have also found that with each of these blooms you can use them about three times each. Would you do that with a regular tea bag? This is wonderful! I think everyone should use these fantastic little trinkets! I believe it would help children to drink more tea. I have a nephew who will not try anything unless it is pretty. Something to think about parents!

If you will take the time to get on the Internet, you will be able to find companies which sell this product. Do not settle for the first listing. Always shop around. Make sure you speak to someone who will answer any of your questions.

If the person tells you he or she does not know anything or they do not know much, ask to speak with a knowledgeable individual. Write down pertinent information and do not be afraid to ask anything. You are the consumer and have the right to question about the products which you intend to buy.

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