Want to create an aesthetic afternoon tea? Try adding an apple rose to your cup of tea. Once the hot liquid hits the apple rose, a lovely fruity aroma is released. As the apple slices rise to the surface, the rose begins to magically bloom. Follow this impressive blooming apple rose tea recipe for your next tea party.
Blooming Tea Origin
The concept of blooming tea originated in China, where tea leaves are wrapped around dried flowers that unfurl in a glass pot, creating the illusion of a blooming flower. The blooming apple rose likely draws inspiration from this technique, transforming it into a modern culinary aesthetic. Apple slices are often transformed into roses as a decorative piece for many dishes and now drinks.
Ingredients
- 1 apple
- Hot water
- 1–2 tsp sugar
- Lemon juice, optional for storage
Click on the images for the direct link to the tools I used:
Blooming Apple Rose Tea Instructions
Slice the apple along one side, avoiding the core.
Cut the sliced portion in half.
Using a mandoline (be careful!), thinly slice the halves.
Place the thin apple slices in a microwave-safe bowl.
Sprinkle sugar over the slices.
Pour enough hot water to fully cover the apple slices.
Microwave for 30–60 seconds, or until the slices become soft and pliable.
Let them cool slightly.
Arrange the slices in a row, overlapping them slightly with the red skin facing up.
Start with the smaller slices.
Roll the small slices tightly to form the rose center.
Place the rolled center at the edge of the medium slices, and continue rolling.
Repeat with the larger slices until you form a full rose shape.
Gently place the finished rose in a teacup.
Pour in a hot drink of your choice, like green or black tea.
Sweeten the tea with honey if desired, and enjoy as the rose gently blooms.
Blooming Apple Rose Tea Storage Tips
Store the apple roses (before brewing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent browning, lightly coat the apple slices with lemon juice.
Blooming Apple Rose Tea
Ingredients
- 1 apple
- Hot water
- 1 –2 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Slice the apple along one side, avoiding the core.
- Cut the sliced portion in half.
- Using a mandoline (be careful!), thinly slice the halves.
- Place the thin apple slices in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Sprinkle sugar over the slices.
- Pour enough hot water to fully cover the apple slices.
- Microwave for 30–60 seconds, or until the slices become soft and pliable.
- Let them cool slightly.
- Arrange the slices in a row, overlapping them slightly with the red skin facing up.
- Start with the smaller slices.
- Roll the small slices tightly to form the rose center.
- Place the rolled center at the edge of the medium slices, and continue rolling.
- Repeat with the larger slices until you form a full rose shape.
- Gently place the finished rose in a teacup.
- Pour in a hot drink of your choice, like green or black tea.
- Sweeten the tea with honey if desired, and enjoy as the rose gently blooms.
If you enjoyed this blooming apple rose tea drink, you might also like my apple margarita recipe.
