Elyssian Ascent | White Camellia Tea with Damascus Rose Bud

There is snow on the ground. A fire rages in the hearth. No need to go anywhere, for a stack of books beckons from the side table. Ascent is bright, astringent, and a pique for mental energy. This brew does stimulate the appetite, so take it with a bit of buttery shortbread or a cranberry scone, else you'll be interrupting your chosen author for a snack raid within 20 minutes.

Organic Ingredients: Snow Dragon White Tea, Damascus Rose Bud

Steep a loose tablespoon in 6 oz water at about 200 degrees. Any lower, as you would normally do with white tea, and the rose bud does not infuse properly. Any higher, and the delicate floral notes are lost. Steep for 3 minutes the first brew, and 4-5 on subsequent brews. Leaves can be steeped up to 3 times without going bland. 

Further notes: I prefer to steep this tea in a teapot or gaiwan (as shown). Tea balls do not allow enough space for the proper unfurling of these whole tea leaves. A japanese style teapot, with the strainer built into the spout, or a chinese style gaiwan, which uses the lid to strain, both allow plenty of space for unfurling. Keep in mind the number of people you will be serving when picking out your teapot. Best brewed with Spring Water.

This tea can also be used as a face wash, mixed into a mask, or added to a bath.

Herbal Properties: Astringent, Diuretic, Stimulates Liver.

White tea contains a very small amount of caffeine. Those who are truly sensitive may find it to be too much, and at the very least are advised to take this tea only with food or after a meal.