There’s little adventure in a cup of commercial grade tea, blended for consistency—and in which the rich agricultural history of the Camellia sinensis plant is lost. - In Pursuit of Tea

(Tea leaves come from the camellia senensis, a vigorous evergreen shrub native to China.)

A bit of background

Learning about tea is just as involved and intricate as learning about wine - possibly more so, since the history of tea predates the history wine. It is a study in quality levels, leaf and dust grades, tasting notes, and varietal characteristics that point to specific growing regions.

The highest quality teas are made from the first cuttings of different parts of whole tea leaves which are then carefully dried. At the opposite end of the quality scale is mass produced tea, typically made from the leftover dust of previously dried leaves.

Its long story and often times surprising complexity make tea a perfect alternative to wine! Flavors can be just as layered and lovely, and food pairings can be just as elevated.

Even so. There is something to be said about a soothing cup of perfectly prepared tea. The recipe below adds a distinct floral component to really elevate the experience. Rose petals and hips contain vitamin C, which among a whole host of other good deeds, reduces inflammation.

Step 1. Prepare your base: A few options

• If you want to get truly fancy, use actual dried tea leaves (such as what’s used in In Pursuit of Tea’s White Rose blend) and boil your water exactly according to the directions. The correct water temperature is extremely important; water that’s too hot can scald delicate leaves. Water that’s too cool can prevent the leaves from releasing enough oil, resulting in a weak or blah-tasting cup. Steep accordingly.

• If dried tea leaves aren’t and option, a regular tea bag of your choice will work too.

• If you want to skip the leaf portion entirely, boil 2.5 cups of water, add a few scrapings from a split vanilla bean (or just a drop of vanilla extract), and a drop of honey into the pot.

Step 2. Now for the roses

Dried rose buds can be found in Middle Eastern markets, boutique and high-end tea retailers and grocers, and of course, on Amazon. (Be careful with Amazon - check that the dried buds are food grade and if possible, organic.) We like The Tea Spot, Mountain Rose Herbs, and Teasenz, for dried buds and FGO for rose hips. Please note: these are NOT sponsored links. We just really like them.

• Gently sprinkle one teaspoonful of dried roses into your tea. Let them steep. They will unfurl as the liquid cools, and add a beautiful, rosey, just slightly sweet note.

• For even more nicety, finish with a small spring of time for freshness.