At a glance
Taiju generally describes chrysanthemum flower material picked before fully opening. It is a stage/product distinction, not proof that every bud is the highest grade or was historically an imperial tribute.
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Chinese name | 胎菊 |
| Browsing group | Herbal infusion |
| Associated origin | Tongxiang, Jiaxing, Zhejiang is the inherited association |
| Material form | Identified dried chrysanthemum flower heads picked before fully opening |
Taste and appearance
The original table describes curled-in full even small heads, cream-yellow colour, clear pale-yellow liquor, a clean floral/honey aroma and a fine smooth slightly bitter cup. Lower comparisons permit larger heads, fragments, a stronger bitter/astringent taste and less even infused material. The old claim that the flowers never open in a long steep is not a universal authentication test.
The cover is the original material illustration. These images are not TeaPlain tasting samples or proof of origin, grade, age, authenticity or image rights clearance.
Grade characteristics
This preserves the earlier Chinese edition’s sensory comparison. It is not a complete verified current standard table and does not grade your packet. Plant material, growing area, processing and grade are separate details. Decorative star rankings are omitted.
On a small screen, scroll the table sideways to compare the grades.
| Feature | Extra grade (old comparison) | Grade 1 (old comparison) | Grade 2 (old comparison) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shape | Full even curled-in heads without fragments | Larger fairly even curled-in heads | Larger full heads with fragments |
| Dry colour | Cream yellow | Cream yellow | Deeper cream yellow |
| Liquor | Naturally clear pale yellow | Fairly clear pale yellow | Clear pale yellow |
| Aroma | Clean floral/honey aroma | Fresh aroma | Fresh aroma |
| Taste | Clean fine smooth, slightly bitter | Clean, stronger bitter/astringent taste | Mellow refreshing, bitter/astringent |
| Infused material | Lively bright material | Lively even material | Lively material |
Inherited sensory comparisons retained without stars, not a complete verified current grade standard or authentication of the photographed lot.
Names and origin
The inherited Tongxiang/Hangbaiju association and early-picked bud distinction are useful shopping context. A local product account also describes dried not-fully-open heads; its extensive disease-prevention claims are not adopted as clinical evidence. Taiju, open flowers, Gongju and snow chrysanthemum are not interchangeable grades of one universally identical product. Check species, material and producer; tribute and king wording do not certify a packet.
Everyday benefits
An unsweetened, clearly identified food-grade infusion can be enjoyed for flavour and as an alternative to a sweetened drink. The earlier therapeutic claims are not established for this cup. It is not a treatment or a substitute for food or prescribed care.
Who may enjoy this tea
For readers who enjoy an identified food-grade chrysanthemum infusion with a light floral/honey impression.
When to take care
Check relevant chrysanthemum-family allergies and actual medicines before regular use. Clinical reports involving a multi-ingredient chrysanthemum drink do not quantify a risk for every cultivar or serving. If taking medicines or Iron supplements, follow their instructions and ask a pharmacist about the actual product rather than assume that all herbal drinks have the same interactions. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergies and suitability for children need the identified ingredients and preparation; this page gives no medicinal dose.
How to brew
Original prose: glass or porcelain cup
The inherited method uses a heat-safe glass or porcelain cup, 1:50, 90–100°C / 194–212°F water, refilling at about one-third remaining and roughly three infusions. It gives no first steeping time. For an identified food-grade product only, an arithmetic example is 3 g with 150 mL Actual water; that is not a dose validated for every herb. Follow the complete packet instructions first. Different plant species, plant parts and processing cannot share one universal recipe.
These inherited directions are awaiting hands-on testing. Refilling changes the concentration and is not a new measured batch. Let the drink cool enough to sip; do not use a photograph to identify unknown plants.
Read the original illustration separately
Illustration: flower-head cup. Add 15–20 heads, adjusting to preference, pour to one-third and gently swirl, then top up to seven or eight tenths and wait before tasting. No grams, Actual water, capacity, temperature or numerical steep duration is supplied. Do not infer 1:50 or a safe daily amount from the number of heads.
For ordinary teaware options, see brew without a gaiwan. Keep each complete method together instead of selecting temperature, dose and time from different preparations.
Adjust your cup
Identify the ingredients and follow the actual food product’s complete preparation instructions first. Once that is clear, adjust within those directions for taste. Do not increase the dose or boiling time of unknown plant material to make it suitable for drinking.
How to buy
Check botanical identity, plant part, full ingredients, intended food use, maker, source and dates. Follow the actual packet’s directions; the generic name cannot identify an unknown plant or preparation.
See buy your first Chinese tea for packet comparisons.
China price reference
Undated figures retained from the Chinese edition, in Chinese yuan (CNY). No original brand, batch, harvest or quotation date was recorded. These are not verified current retail quotes, a market average or manufacturer-suggested retail prices.
| Chinese-edition tier | CNY per 500 g (one jin) | Equivalent CNY per 100 g |
|---|---|---|
| Extra grade | 400 | 80 |
| Grade 1 | 250 | 50 |
Per 100 g is an arithmetic conversion, not a quoted packet. Do not infer a missing sensory or price tier. Compare actual growing area, style, harvest, roast, weight and channel. A currency conversion does not make a UK or US retail offer comparable to a China historical figure.
How to store
Original storage method
Keep the bag or food-safe container tightly sealed, in a cool dry place protected from light, moisture and strong smells. Reseal after taking a portion and check the closure, particularly during humid seasonal changes. Keep it away from cooking steam, the dishwasher, sunny windows and spices. Follow the product’s date and storage label; no universal shelf life is established here.
The original suggests refrigeration for slow use. Follow the actual label; seal against fridge moisture and smells, and let portions warm while still sealed before opening. Refrigeration is not a verified universal shelf-life extension.
Origin, processing and history
The old chart labels flower picking, spreading, steaming/heat-fixing, drying and storage. It is a general production illustration, not a tribute certificate or clinical quality test.
Common questions
Is taiju automatically the best chrysanthemum grade?
No. Bud stage, species, processing, grade and origin are separate details. Compare the actual identified product for aroma, cleanliness and condition rather than relying on king wording.
Can I move one number from this recipe into a different vessel?
Keep leaf form, measured dose and actual water, temperature, timing and separation together. Nominal capacity or a fill fraction is not a measured ratio.
Compare Hangbaiju, or browse the herbal infusion overview.
Editorial notes and updates
Updated 16 October 2026. Valid original descriptions, sensory comparisons, prose and image methods, storage handling, China price figures and usable pictures are retained with their scope. Doubtful medical, ranking and exact historical claims are revised or omitted. Current full grade clauses and historical prices are not certified. Original Chinese-labelled graphics have English reading notes; no TeaPlain tasting or brewing test is claimed. Internal research and image audits record the decisions.