Chrysanthemum Tea

Place the dried chrysanthemum flowers in a fine-mesh sieve. Rinse them gently under cold running water for about 30 seconds to remove any dust or impurities. Drain well.

In a kettle or saucepan, bring 4 cups of filtered water to a rolling boil. Ensure the water is hot enough to properly extract the flavor from the flowers.

Carefully pour about 1/4 cup of the freshly boiled water over the rinsed chrysanthemum flowers in your teapot or heatproof mug. Swirl gently for a few seconds, then discard this water. This quick rinse helps to further clean the flowers and open them up.

Pour the remaining hot water over the chrysanthemum flowers. Cover the teapot or mug with a lid to trap the heat and aroma. Allow the tea to steep for 3-5 minutes, or longer for a stronger flavor.

If desired, add rock sugar or honey to the tea while it is still hot. Stir until the sweetener is fully dissolved. Adjust the amount of sugar to your personal preference.

Strain the chrysanthemum flowers from the tea, or leave them in for aesthetic appeal as you pour. Serve the tea warm in small cups. You can also allow it to cool and enjoy it as a refreshing iced beverage.