Flowers for Tea

Infusions have been made from different botanica for thousands of years. The delicate flavors of flower petals are often added to tea (Camellia sinensis) as well as to herbal blends to add beauty, aroma, and flavor. While not all flowers are safe for making tea, here are some that have had a long history of safe use and can be added to your own blends for both their aesthetic value and their health- promoting properties. The best thing about using flowers for tea is that it’s fun, smells great, and deepens our connection to the natural world. As when using all herbs for internal purposes, be sure that your flowers are grown organically without chemical pesticides or fertilizers. Many flowers grown for the florist market are heavily sprayed with only the beauty of the bloom in mind, so take the extra time to grow your own blooms or ensure that those purchased are organic. Most commonly, flowers used in blends are added to the dry tea, and ideally, they should be freshly dried to ensure bright color and best aroma.