CAMELLIA ROSE

There is an ancient Chinese proverb that states the wisdom of 10 000 universes can be found in a cup of tea. Now if a single cup of brewed tea leaves wields such lofty power what could be said about a cup that contains tealeaves and tea flowers? Perhaps an understanding of the universe of the Camellia plant will help us find the answer. It is known that there are somewhere in the neighborhood of 100-250 different species of Camelia. There's Camellia brevistyla Camellia fraternal Camellia japonica Camellia reticulata Camellia sasquana and of course Camellia sinensis. These many varieties grow throughout the world for example Camelia japonica is the State flower of Alabama but the majority are found in China. So our answer is... ok perhaps we still need more information.

The parts of China where Camellia can be found are some of the greenest corners on Earth. Take Yunnan Province for example the origin of this handcrafted artisan tea. Yunnan is the southernmost province of China geographically situated along the Tropic of Cancer. The Province is hot wet and subsequently home to 18 000 of China's 30 000 plant species - the perfect location for the natural evolution of a multitude of Camellia species. (Also the perfect location for growing rose and lavender the secondary floral components of this formed tea...but we still need more information.)This hand crafted tea incorporates the finest black tea leaves Yunnan has to offer hand-tied with tea flowers plucked from blossoming tea bushes dried rosebuds and fresh lavender. An artisan when asked about the tea explained the meaning behind its creation. The black tea leaves symbolize the historical importance of tea for the people of Yunnan the bloom of the tea flower symbolizes a fresh new hope for the future and the rosebud and lavender symbolize the beauty of the natural world in which the artisans and tea growers live their lives.

And now we have the answer! In a cup of containing the brewed tea leaves and flowers of the Camellia plant can be found the wisdom of 10 000 universes and the artisans of Yunnan province. Knowledge is power. (And in this case an exquisite cup of tea.) Hot tea brewing method: Place one ball in your teapot (ideally clear glass for maximum visual effect) and add boiling water. (Very hot or boiling water allows the ball to open which allows you to see the art of tea better). Infuse until the ball is fully open usually about 5 minutes. Watch the long leaves unfurl to reveal the hidden flower treasure. Note: Do not remove the leaves after infusing - contemplate life and enjoy a rare Chinese floral.