Sakurayu ( ja, 桜湯), Sakura-cha (桜茶), literally "''cherry blossom tea''", is a

Japanese Japanese may refer to: * Something from or related to Japan, an island country in East Asia * Japanese language, spoken mainly in Japan * Japanese people, the ethnic group that identifies with Japan through ancestry or culture ** Japanese diaspor ...

infusion Infusion is the process of extracting chemical compounds or flavors from plant material in a solvent such as water, oil or alcohol, by allowing the material to remain suspended in the solvent over time (a process often called steeping). An in ...

created by steeping

pickled Pickling is the process of preserving or extending the shelf life of food by either anaerobic fermentation in brine or immersion in vinegar. The pickling procedure typically affects the food's texture and flavor. The resulting food is called ...

cherry blossoms with boiled water. This combination becomes a type of

herbal tea Herbal teas, also known as herbal infusions and less commonly called tisanes (UK and US , US also ), are beverages made from the infusion or decoction of herbs, spices, or other plant material in hot water. Oftentimes herb tea, or the plain term ...

, and has been enjoyed in

East Asia East Asia is the eastern region of Asia, which is defined in both Geography, geographical and culture, ethno-cultural terms. The modern State (polity), states of East Asia include China, Japan, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea, and Taiwan. ...

n culture for many generations.

Preparation

The main ingredient, cherry blossoms petals, are harvested when the cherry trees bloom from mid to late spring. After the calyxes are removed, the petals are then pickled in plum vinegar and salt and the product subsequently dried. The dried cherry blossoms are then stored or sealed in tea packets and sold. In order to produce sakurayu, a few such dried, salt-pickled blossoms must be sprinkled into a cup of hot water. Once covered in hot water, the collapsed petals unfurl and float. The herbal tea is then allowed to steep until the flavor reaches its desired intensity. The resulting drink tastes slightly salty.Sakura Tea
/ref> The tea is a very light slightly sweet brew.

Serving

There is a Japanese expression "ocha wo nigosu." "ocha" is tea, and "nigosu" means to make unclear. So the term itself will literally translate to ''to make the tea cloudy''. However, the meaning of this expression is to "be evasive," "be vague," or "non-committal." This denotation is why green tea is not served at weddings, but "Sakura-yu" is served as it represents "beginning," which is most appropriate for a wedding.

References

{{reflist Japanese cuisine Cherry blossom Japanese drinks Holiday foods Flower tea

Preparation

Serving

See also

References