As I spend another day at work, tethered to a computer, watching my muscles atrophy and my interpersonal skills decline… I think to myself, “At least I have Osthmanthus Silver Needle!”
This tea is underglorified.
The explanation is likely quite simple. I don’t think the average American knows what Osthmanthus Blossoms are. Or maybe they do (Do you?) – but I certainly didn’t before my tea obsession thoroughly set in!
So allow me to share, in case you’re unfamiliar. Osthmanthus Blossoms, or “Guay Hua,” usually come from East Asia. Cute little osthmanthus flowers grow on shrubs, and are typically harvested late in the year (autumn). As a result, osthmanthus-scented teas are often the last teas available each year. Osthmanthus scenting, from what I understand, is quite similar to jasmine scenting. Osthmanthus Blossoms are mixed in with the tea, allowed to sit&scent the tea overnight, picked out the next day, and then fresh Osthmanthus Blossoms are mixed in so it can happen all over again. The process is repeated, up to 10 times, and then… voilà! Sweet nectar of the gods.
The difference to note, however, is in the flavour. I don’t want you comparing my glorious Osthmanthus-scented Silver Needle to Jasmine-anything.
While some may find Jasmine-scented teas to be perfumey and overpowering, (me) Osthmanthus creates a unique luxurious nectary flavour unlike any other. I would describe the tea as being smooth and sweet, with notes of honey and ripened yellow fruits, and a subtle floral aroma. The first infusion is always best, as it contains the most of that fresh-steeped Osthmanthus flavour.
And while I’ve seen Osthmanthus Oolongs elsewhere… NOTHING is like this Osthmanthus Silver Needle. It’s perfect.
This tea is easily in my Top 5. I dare you to try it and not like it.
Have a great day everyone! :)
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I had a small batch of this a few years back (needless to say, it’s only a memory now :) and I have to say that I usually don’t really go for white teas with added anything; but this tea was really wonderful. I shared it with a few close friends, and it was met with unanimous praise. Thank you for reminding me of this fantastic tea!
I had Samovar’s version of this and loved it. It seemed like such a unique tea, but I didn’t know why. It’s not until I read this note of yours that I even knew that Osthmanthus was a sort of flower. I thought it was some sort of different kind of Silver Needle. : / Thanks very much for enlightening me! Now I know what to look for in other teas because I absolutely loved the sweet nectar-like flavor.
I haven’t tried this one yet, but I’ve got a sample of Samovar’s version from takgoti. Seriously, O-Cha!, you are the resident Rishi expert. Hearts all around!
@teaplz – Prepare to be delighted by Samovar’s version.
yes you seriously are the rishi queen
The Samovar version compares quite closely to the Rishi version. I would recommend either!
Thanks for the info and recommendation!
You seem to have tried a lot of Rishi’s catalog. I am thinking of ordering from them, what green teas do you recommend? I was thinking of ordering 4-5 types for the free shipping.
Hi Dhamma! I have a personal preference for Japanese greens, so I will start my recommendations there. Genmai Matcha, Kukicha, Organic Sencha, Sencha Sakura if it’s available, annnnnnd… For a little Chinese green tea fun perhaps Dragonwell and Green Needles Premium. Also: Houjicha is a roasted (as opposed to steamed) Japanese green – so if you’d like something tasty that pairs well with breakfast foods and such, that’s a good selection.
Forgive me, I also have a personal preference for pure teas, so if you’d ever like recommendations for scented or flavoured varieties, that’s a whole other category for me as well :)
Enjoy your tea! Happy shopping! And don’t forget to use a kyusu and 180 degree water for brewing… that’s the most important part!
do you recommend any specific website to buy a kyusu from?
I had a small batch of this a few years back (needless to say, it’s only a memory now :) and I have to say that I usually don’t really go for white teas with added anything; but this tea was really wonderful. I shared it with a few close friends, and it was met with unanimous praise. Thank you for reminding me of this fantastic tea!
I had Samovar’s version of this and loved it. It seemed like such a unique tea, but I didn’t know why. It’s not until I read this note of yours that I even knew that Osthmanthus was a sort of flower. I thought it was some sort of different kind of Silver Needle. : / Thanks very much for enlightening me! Now I know what to look for in other teas because I absolutely loved the sweet nectar-like flavor.
I haven’t tried this one yet, but I’ve got a sample of Samovar’s version from takgoti. Seriously, O-Cha!, you are the resident Rishi expert. Hearts all around!
@teaplz – Prepare to be delighted by Samovar’s version.
yes you seriously are the rishi queen
The Samovar version compares quite closely to the Rishi version. I would recommend either!
Thanks for the info and recommendation!
You seem to have tried a lot of Rishi’s catalog. I am thinking of ordering from them, what green teas do you recommend? I was thinking of ordering 4-5 types for the free shipping.
Hi Dhamma! I have a personal preference for Japanese greens, so I will start my recommendations there. Genmai Matcha, Kukicha, Organic Sencha, Sencha Sakura if it’s available, annnnnnd… For a little Chinese green tea fun perhaps Dragonwell and Green Needles Premium. Also: Houjicha is a roasted (as opposed to steamed) Japanese green – so if you’d like something tasty that pairs well with breakfast foods and such, that’s a good selection.
Forgive me, I also have a personal preference for pure teas, so if you’d ever like recommendations for scented or flavoured varieties, that’s a whole other category for me as well :)
Enjoy your tea! Happy shopping! And don’t forget to use a kyusu and 180 degree water for brewing… that’s the most important part!
do you recommend any specific website to buy a kyusu from?