Chrysanthemum Tea: What It Tastes Like and How to Brew It

In short: chrysanthemum tea is an infusion of whole dried chrysanthemum flowers. It brews a clear golden cup with a soft floral aroma, a gentle honey-like sweetness and a clean finish, and it is naturally caffeine-free. Use 4 to 6 flowers (about 2 g) per 250 ml of water at 90 to 95°C (195 to 205°F) and steep for 4 to 5 minutes. The same flowers give two or three cups.

On a dark November evening in Canada, a glass pot of chrysanthemum tea is a small pleasure: the dry buds slowly open in the hot water and the kitchen fills with a light, floral scent. It is one of the most popular everyday drinks in China and a favourite in dim sum restaurants across Toronto and Vancouver. Here is what to expect from the cup and how to brew it well at home.

What is chrysanthemum tea?

Chrysanthemum tea is a tisane, not a "true" tea from the tea plant. It is made from the flowers of Chrysanthemum morifolium, harvested in autumn, gently dried and sold whole. In China it has been brewed for centuries, at home and in restaurants, often with a little rock sugar.

Because there are no tea leaves in it, chrysanthemum tea has no caffeine, which makes it an easy choice for late evenings.

What does chrysanthemum tea taste like?

Expect a delicate, floral cup rather than a bold one.

• Colour: clear pale gold, deepening a little with longer steeps.
• Aroma: soft and floral, with a hint of hay and wood.
• Flavour: gentle and lightly sweet, a little like white peony tea or a mild chamomile, without any bitterness.
• Finish: clean and refreshing; it does not linger heavily.

Our Chrysanthemum Tea is made of whole white flowers that open fully in the cup, so it is as nice to watch as it is to drink.

How to brew chrysanthemum tea

1. Warm the cup or pot with a splash of hot water and pour it out.
2. Add the flowers. Whole flowers are light, so count them rather than weigh them.
3. Pour water just off the boil. Let a kettle rest for about 30 seconds after it boils to reach 90 to 95°C.
4. Steep 4 to 5 minutes and watch the petals unfold. Taste after 4 minutes; longer steeps bring out a slightly woodier note.
5. Re-steep. Top up the same flowers with fresh hot water and steep a minute or two longer each time.

A clear glass teapot makes the most of the show. Our Glass Teapot & Kettle 60oz can go on the stovetop, and you will find more pots in our teapots and kettles section.

Ways to enjoy it

• With rock sugar. The classic Chinese way: one or two crystals of Amber Rock Sugar dissolve slowly and add a round, mellow sweetness without masking the flowers.
• With goji berries. A small handful in the pot adds a soft red colour and a light fruity note.
• With green or jasmine tea. Add 3 or 4 flowers to a pot of green tea for a floral twist. If you like scented teas, see our jasmine tea guide.
• With ripe pu-erh. Known in Cantonese restaurants as "guk pou", this blend pairs earthy, dark pu-erh with bright chrysanthemum. Our Chrysanthemum Ripe Pu'erh Brick comes ready blended.
• Chilled. Brew a double-strength pot, sweeten lightly while warm and pour over ice. It is a refreshing drink for summer on the patio.

Dim sum tradition

If you have had dim sum in Canada, you have probably been offered chrysanthemum tea alongside jasmine and pu-erh. Its light, clean taste is a good partner for rich, savoury dishes like dumplings, buns and fried noodles, which is why restaurants keep a pot topped up for the whole meal. It is easy to recreate at home for a weekend brunch.

How to store chrysanthemum flowers

Dried flowers are fragile and pick up smells easily. Keep them in an airtight tin or resealable pouch, away from light, heat and spices, at room temperature. Stored this way they keep their colour and aroma for about a year. In damp weather, close the bag right after use: the flowers absorb moisture and soften. Browse more caffeine-free options in our herbal teas collection.

Frequently asked questions

Does chrysanthemum tea have caffeine?

No. Pure chrysanthemum tea is made only from dried flowers, so it is naturally caffeine-free. Blends with green tea or pu-erh do contain caffeine.

How many chrysanthemum flowers should I use per cup?

Use 4 to 6 whole flowers, about 2 g, per 250 ml cup. For a stronger flavour, add one or two more rather than steeping much longer.

Can I re-steep chrysanthemum flowers?

Yes. The same flowers give two or three cups. Add fresh water at 90 to 95°C and steep a minute or two longer each time.

What can I add to chrysanthemum tea?

Rock sugar and goji berries are traditional. It also pairs well with green tea, jasmine tea and ripe pu-erh, and it can be served over ice.

Why does my chrysanthemum tea taste bitter?

Usually it has steeped too long or with too many flowers. Use fewer flowers, keep the steep to 4 to 5 minutes and lift the flowers out of the cup when it is ready.