ARIEL Carnation

Some teas are meant to be watched as much as tasted. Each hand-tied ball wraps white tea leaves around a single carnation, folded into a small acorn shape. Drop one into a glass pot, pour over hot water, and it slowly opens – leaves loosening, the flower rising and unfurling at the centre. A quiet bit of theatre, and a lovely thing to share.

Tasting Notes

The cup is delicate and pale, the way a good white tea should be. The flavour is soft and clean, gently floral from the carnation, with a faint whisper of smoke underneath for depth. Nothing sharp, nothing astringent – just a light, fragrant infusion that's easy to return to. Each ball is good for about four cups, and the flower keeps its shape as it steeps.

Watching It Bloom

Blooming teas are made entirely by hand. Artisans gather the white tea leaves, tie them around the flower with fine thread, and shape each one to open cleanly in the water. The result is part tea, part display, best brewed in glass so you don't miss the moment it comes to life. It makes an easy gift, and a small occasion out of an ordinary afternoon.

Brewing

Place one ball in a glass pot or cup and pour over fresh water heated to 90 °C. Give it a few minutes to open fully; each ball makes about four cups, and you can keep topping up the same flower while it holds its shape.

Additional Information

• Ingredients: White tea, carnation flower.
• Formats: Pack of 3
• Foundation: Humaniterra Foundation.