Blooming tea, how to brew it and where to enjoy it in Venice

A small dark sphere settles at the bottom of the teapot, as compact as a closed bud. Then the hot water begins its work: the leaves unfurl one by one, the sphere opens, and from its centre a red or pink flower rises, suspended in an infusion that slowly turns gold.

Blooming teas, also known as flowering teas, are hand-tied arrangements of tea buds and leaves bound around dried flowers, which unfold in the water like a small bouquet. They come from China, where the art of combining tea and flowers goes back centuries, and they ask to be watched before they are tasted; at Caffè Florian they are brought to the table in a glass teapot.

What blooming tea is

Blooming tea consists of small, carefully crafted bundles of tea leaves, usually green tea, wrapped around dried flowers. Before brewing, each bundle resembles a compact pearl or a tightly closed bud. Once immersed in hot water, it gradually opens to reveal the flower at its centre.

Creating these compositions requires skill and precision. The leaves must be carefully selected and arranged around the flowers so that the bundle retains its shape as it dries and opens properly during brewing.

The resulting infusion also varies according to the ingredients used. The type of tea, the flowers chosen and the brewing time all influence its colour and flavour, which can range from delicate and fruity to subtly roasted.

A story that begins in China, among leaves and flowers

Tea has been an integral part of Chinese culture for centuries, with preparation and tasting rituals evolving over time. The relationship between tea leaves and flowers has a long history, too: literary sources from the Tang (618–907) and Song (960–1279) dynasties already refer to flower-scented teas and different ways of enhancing their fragrance.

One of the best-known examples is jasmine tea, made by infusing tea leaves with the fragrance of jasmine flowers. At Caffè Florian, this floral tradition can be discovered in Venice Triumphant tea, a tea appreciated for its delicate floral aroma and balanced flavour, or tea with rose petals, such as the Venetian Rose tea.

Flowering tea, which opens into a bloom inside the teapot, is made using a different technique. Tea leaves are carefully tied by hand around a small cluster of dried flowers, forming a compact sphere that holds its shape when dry. Its full structure is revealed only during brewing, as the leaves slowly unfurl in the water.

This meticulous craft celebrates both the flavour of tea and its visual appeal, making the unfolding flower part of the afternoon tea ritual.

Handcrafted from bud to sphere

Each flowering tea begins with the selection of tender spring buds and young tea leaves, which are carefully tied by hand around a centre of dried flowers. The leaves are arranged to enclose the floral core, forming a small, compact sphere that will gradually open during brewing.

The Caffè Florian flowering tea collection features two varieties, Bacio di Primavera and Rosso d’Autunno, each with its own distinctive composition and aromatic profile.

Bacio di Primavera combines Fujian green tea with amaranth and lily flowers. As the bundle opens, its red petals form a ring reminiscent of two lips meeting in a kiss, inspiring its name, which means “Spring Kiss”. The infusion has delicate coppery reflections and a light, fruity flavour with a subtle toasted note.

Rosso d’Autunno combines Fujian green tea with amaranth flowers. Its dark crown of leaves gradually opens to reveal a small pink flower. The resulting infusion is golden amber in colour, with a sweet, delicate taste and lingering toasted notes.

Together, these two varieties offer different ways to appreciate flowering tea, from the shape and colours of the bloom to the fragrance and flavour of the infusion.

How to brew blooming tea

To brew blooming teas, all you need is a suitable teapot, water at the right temperature and a little patience. A glass teapot is ideal because it lets you watch the flower unfold throughout the brewing process without disturbing the delicate composition.

Follow these simple steps:
1. Choose a glass teapot. Place one flowering tea bundle inside, leaving enough room for it to open fully.
2. Heat the water to around 85°C (185°F). Pour 400–500 ml of water into the teapot.
3. Allow it to steep for 5–10 minutes. As the leaves gradually unfurl, the flower will emerge and the water will take on its colour.
4. Enjoy your tea. Once the flower has fully opened, take a moment to appreciate the infusion’s colour and aroma before your first sip.

For this preparation, the Florian glass teapot is an ideal choice. Its transparent design lets you follow every stage of the bloom, while the elegant gold detail on the handle and the Florian logo make it a beautiful addition to any table.

The experience can be completed with the Anniversario tea cup and saucer, created to celebrate Caffè Florian’s 275th anniversary. White porcelain, gold edging and the iconic blue-and-gold Lion of Saint Mark reflect the identity of this historic Venetian Café and pay tribute to its heritage.

These accessories are designed for those who wish to recreate the art of tea preparation and the pleasure of tea tasting at home, with the same care and attention to detail that have distinguished Caffè Florian in Piazza San Marco since 1720.

Where to enjoy blooming tea in Venice, the Caffè Florian service

In St. Mark’s Square, Caffè Florian invites guests to enjoy flowering tea in its historic rooms, surrounded by interiors that tell the story of more than three centuries of Venetian life. The tea is served at the table in a glass teapot, allowing the flower to bloom gradually as the infusion develops its colour and aromatic character.

Watching the leaves unfold also offers a glimpse of the craftsmanship behind each composition. Once the infusion is ready, attention turns to its fragrance and flavour, which vary according to the chosen blend and complete the tasting experience.