Ume Blossom Oolong

In many Asian countries, the blossoms of the Ume varietal of Plum tree signal that spring is close at hand. The Ume blossoms appear before the leaves even as snow blankets the tree limbs. This dual character of beauty and perserverance, delicacy and resiliency endear the blossoms to the people of Japan, China and Taiwan. Japan celebrates a plum festival, “Ume Matsuri”, in China the blossoms are frequently a symbol of Chinese New Year celebrations, and the Ume blossom is the national flower of Taiwan.

Our Ume Blossom Oolong tea is an inspired blend of organic oolong tea leaves combined with fruit and floral ingredients that echo the flavor of plum and the clean aroma of winter Ume blossoms. In China, the 5 petals of the Ume blossom are symbolic of 5 blessings: living to an old age, good health, wealth, virtue and passing peacefully in a natural death. The plum tree is also one of the “Three Friends of Winter” along with the pine tree and bamboo.