CHERRY ROSE WHITE TEA

The Japanese have had an undying passion for cherry blossoms, or Sakura, for ages. When spring arrives, the trees are filled with small blooms that float gently to the ground when the wind rustles the limbs. Sakura are as ubiquitous in Japanese culture as apple pie are in American culture.

Sakura had an important role in the Heian era, spiritual identity of Japan, and was a source of inspiration for the era’s kings and holy people.

China’s rich cultural heritage, especially the meditative practices of Buddhism and Confucianism, have served as a source of inspiration. That ideal was best represented, in their minds, by musing on life while sitting in the shade of a Sakura tree. The literary genre of haiku ultimately developed as a direct result of this custom. Many of the Heian period’s greatest enduring creations are, therefore, centred upon Sakura trees. Saigyo, a monk, was one of the most well-known authors of his day. The simplicity of his poetry is what makes it so wonderful.

Sleeping under the trees on Yoshino Mountain,
The spring breeze wearing Cherry blossom petals.
The petals were held in such regard that Saigyo even had this to say:
Wishing to die under cherry blossoms in spring,
Cherry blossom season in full moon time.

Those flowers meant a lot to him. We have created a white tea mix that is poetry in the contemplative Sakura tradition. The cup is light but flavorful, with hints of rose and cherry that are both sweet and tart. An excellent choice for an afternoon of relaxation.