Good morning, dear tea friends! On this cool, brisk fall morning, I’m watching an unfolding taking place. The unfolding of tea leaves to reveal a lovely rose pink carnation. I love surprises, especially when flowers are involved! This artful display tea is called Noble Madam. Watch and enjoy!

The green tea leaves are hand tied and compressed into a “pod” around the flower.

I’ve shared my delightful experiences with display teas here.

and here. As the 180F hot water soaks into the pod, the leaves open up oh so slowly…

Like a little sea creature gently reaching out…

and there is its heart.

A beautiful rose pink carnation. Gorgeous!

I’ve read that hand tied teas have been created in China for hundreds of year, however, it’s only been in the last 30 years or so that the showier teas, such as this one, have been made.

This photo shows how they bundle the leaves and tie them.

The carnation flower lends a rose tinge to the light colored tea liquor.

The flavor is light and vegetal with delicate floral notes. I think this would make a lovely gift, along with a glass teapot, to show off its steeping display.

My company has just received a big shipment of glass teapots – 5 different styles – and we’ll be introducing them shortly, just in time for holiday gift giving. Glass teapots are my favorite!

Have a wonderful week and enjoy your tea!

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”

~Anais Nin