Dried white lotus flowers, also known as Nelumbo nucifera, are a beloved ingredient in many Asian cuisines, particularly in China and India. These beautiful flowers have a delicate, sweet flavor and a floral aroma that makes them a popular addition to teas, desserts, and even savory dishes.
In traditional Chinese medicine, dried white lotus flowers are believed to have many health benefits, including improving digestion and reducing inflammation. They are also thought to have a calming effect on the mind and body, making them a popular ingredient in teas and herbal remedies.
Dried white lotus flowers can be used to create a fragrant and delicious tea, which can be enjoyed on its own or blended with other herbs and spices. They can also be added to desserts like puddings and cakes, or used to flavor savory dishes like soups and stews. With their unique flavor and health benefits, dried white lotus flowers are a versatile and valuable ingredient in any kitchen.
How to Make a White Lotus Flower Tea
Ingredients:
- Dried white lotus flowers
- Water
- Optional: honey or sugar for sweetness, lemon or lime for flavor
Equipment:
- Teapot or saucepan
- Tea strainer or infuser
- Cups or mugs
Instructions:
- Measure out your desired amount of dried white lotus flowers. A general rule of thumb is to use around 1-2 teaspoons of dried flowers per cup of water.
- Heat up the water in a teapot or saucepan until it reaches a temperature of around 175-185°F (80-85°C). Do not let the water come to a full boil.
- Add the dried white lotus flowers to the hot water, either directly or in a tea strainer or infuser.
- Allow the tea to steep for around 3-5 minutes. You can adjust the steeping time to your preference – longer steeping will result in a stronger tea.
- Once the tea is done steeping, strain out the flowers using a tea strainer or remove the infuser from the pot.
- If desired, add honey or sugar to sweeten the tea and/or lemon or lime juice for flavor.
- Pour the white lotus tea into cups or mugs and enjoy!
Note: Some people prefer to rinse the white lotus flowers with water before steeping them to remove any dust or debris. You can also experiment with combining white lotus flowers with other herbs or teas to create your own unique blends.