Salted Cherry Blossom Tea, known as Sakura tea in Japan, is a traditional Japanese tea made from preserved cherry blossoms.
Japanese Cherry Blossom
Blossom is picked in the spring when in the Japanese cherry trees are in full bloom.
After harvesting, the blossoms are washed, then soaked in ume (plum) vinegar and salt, to preserve them.
Subtle, Floral Aroma
The tea has a delicate, slightly salty flavour with a subtle floral aroma. It doesn't taste like a typical tea made from tea leaves; instead, it offers a mild, refreshing taste that is more about the experience and the subtlety of the cherry blossoms, than a strong flavour profile.
Traditionally served at Japanese weddings and other celebratory occasions, cherry blossom tea symbolizes new beginnings and is thought to bring good fortune.
To make the tea, place a few of the salted blossoms in a cup and pour hot water over them. The hot water rehydrates the blossoms, causing the petals to open up beautifully in the cup, creating a visually stunning and aromatic tea.
Store in a cool dry place and avoid direct sunlight.