Xueju - New discovered magic Chinese herbal tea

by Armand Liu
(Beijing China)

Xueju (R. sogdiana（Bunge）B.Fedtsch.), is a rare chrysanthemum like flower native to the northern slopes of the Karakorum Mountains, some 3,000 meters above sea level on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. It is in this pristine region with its clean air, long sunny days and wide difference between day and night temperatures, watered by the melting Karakorum glaciers that the rich alkaline soil produces this rare Xueju tea.

Its use as a beverage by the local Uygur people was only first reported in 2000 when it began to be marketed and cultivated on a small scale.

The tea is gaining recognition for its caffeine free, low tannin and high flavour content. Its chemical composition differs from the normal chrysanthumum, and is considered to have sufficient micro elements and amino acids to inhibit high blood pressure and high blood sugar.

In a glass of hot water, the Xueju tea displays its beautiful flower blooms and its red liquor yields a full-bodied flavor intensified by the large medicinal flowers. Xueju tea should be brewed for at least 3-5 minutes, though a longer brewing time will not spoil the tea, but rather enhance the flavor. 6-8 Xueju flowers can be used for several infusions with approximately 0.5 to 0.6 litres of water each time.

With its unique infusion appearance, lingering flower scent and unique health benefits, this is one of the rarest flower teas yet to be discovered.