The Unconfidential Cook

The unassuming little nubs before steeping.

There's a huge variety to choose among, from jasmine to hibiscus and chrysanthemum.

The perfect teapot is glass...but you can also use a drinking glass, glass cup or mug, or an Asian-style drinking bowl.

Here's one in a glass...

...in a bowl...

...and in a teapot.

My good friend Heidi, who is the most clever and creative shopper in the world (yes, I’m sure of that), turned up these beautiful tea flowers in Chinatown and made it one night after a wonderful dinner at her house. We were all just blown away. Not only is it magical watching the knotty little nub blossom in the hot water right before your eyes—Heidi made it in a glass teapot, but you can also steep it in glasses, glass cups/mugs or an Asian-style drinking bowl—the tea is aromatic and flavorful. If you don’t have a Chinatown nearby, type “Chinese flower blossom tea” (or something similar) into your google search, and start exploring. You can buy these buds many places online.