Ju-Hua Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum Morifolium)

"Ju-Hua" Chrysanthemum

I wanted to grow our own tea garden back in 2010, but there was nothing online regarding the "Ju-Hua" Chrysanthemum variety that is used to produce the Chrysanthemum tea you would find being served at Chinese Dim Sum restaurants. I almost gave up hope until the universe responded with what I was looking for in this blog post. Once we were able to source the plant from Companion Plants, I added the perennial herb Golden Lemon Thyme into my cart to maximize our shipping and for future blending with other plants... and THAT'S HOW IT ALL BEGAN. =)

Growing the "Ju-Hua" Chrysanthemum plant at home

Botanical Name: Chrysanthemum morifolium, C. sinense
Syn. Dendranthema morifolium
Common Name(s): Chrysanthemum, Mums, Ju-Hua,
Chu Hua, Florist's Chrysanthemum
Growing Zone: 5-9
Lighting Conditions: Partial Sun OR Full Sun
Average Height: 3ft.
Use(s): Culinary, Medicinal, Ornamental, Aromatic
Harvest Season: September - November
Source: Companion Plants

Harvesting the Chinese "Ju-Hua" Chrysanthemum flowers

- Harvest between 10am - 2pm to maximize potency of your crop. Essential oils are most available within the plant at this time because it is trying to attract pollinators.
- Avoid harvesting flowers that have any moisture on them to avoid mold/rot during the drying process.
- Minimize contact with skin, since the volatile oils may irritate skin with prolonged exposure. Wash hands after contact.
- Roasting flowers before drying can cut the grassy-flavor and make nutrients more available to you in the brewing process.
- You can dehydrate in baskets placed in a dark/dry place out of direct sun or oven bake using electricity on low temperature.

Benefits of Chinese

"Ju-Hua" Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum (mum) is a plant. It gets its name from the Greek words for “gold” and “flower.” People use the flowers to make medicine. Chrysanthemum is used to treat chest pain (angina), high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, fever, cold, headache, dizziness, and swelling. In combination with other herbs, chrysanthemum is also used to treat prostate cancer. As a beverage, Chrysanthemum is a very popular as a summertime tea in Southern China. Chrysanthemum may increase blood flow to the heart. It may also increase sensitivity to insulin.
Source: WebMD.com

The drink recipe for

"Ju-Hua" Chrysanthemum tea

- 0.2 ounces (about 5 grams) dried chrysanthemum tea
- 3 cups water, but you can steep multiple times until the flowers lose their flavor.
- Place your tea in a teabag or tea strainer of your choice. Due to the nature of this tea, the petals can really get in the way of your drinking experience, so best to tie up the tea in a tea bag or cheesecloth, grab a tea strainer, or use a teapot with a built-in strainer.
- Boil 3 cups of water, and pour over the tea.
- Let steep for 3 – 5 minutes and serve.
Source: The Woks of Life