I used to drink packet chrysanthemum tea as a child. It tasted mild, fragrant and sweet. Over the years, drinks company has reduced the sugar content as the society becomes more health conscious.
Piglet used to buy vacuum packs of dried chrysanthemum tea and bring it to Glasgow. It was one of my ‘staple’ drinks there. I would boil one big pot, fill it into containers and bring to work.
When boiling the chrysanthemum tea, I used to add loads of sugar too into my drinks especially when working long busy shifts to maintain my energy levels. Recently, I have been reducing refined carbohydrate and added sugar so it does not taste as sweet.
I added some red dates and goji berry for some natural sweetness. Unfortunately, it does taste bitter when it is thick so it can be diluted upon serving.
A few weeks ago, I added one small golden luo han guo and it tasted sweeter than this version.
Recipe
30g Chrysanthemum tea leaves
3L water
10 red dates
15g goji berry
Sugar/ Sweetener to taste (Optional)
Method
Add all ingredients into a pot. Boil then simmer for 30 minutes. Sieve it. It can be drank warm/ cold.
I prefer mine cold so I chill it in the fridge overnight.