Fetal Chrysanthemum Tea (Taiju) FAQ

Taiju (胎菊), or fetal chrysanthemum, is one of the gentlest cups we sell: small, unopened chrysanthemum buds from Tongxiang, Zhejiang, with a soft natural sweetness and a quiet floral aroma. Below are short, direct answers to the questions we hear most.

What it is

What is fetal chrysanthemum tea?

Fetal chrysanthemum tea (胎菊, taiju) is made from young, unopened chrysanthemum buds that are picked before they bloom and then dried. It brews a pale, clear cup with a soft sweetness and a light floral aroma.

Where does Cha Wu's Taiju come from?

Cha Wu's Taiju chrysanthemum buds come from Tongxiang, Zhejiang province, China, a traditional home of chrysanthemum tea. Historically, Tongxiang's white chrysanthemum was traded through Hangzhou and became widely known as Hang Bai Ju (杭白菊, "Hangzhou white chrysanthemum"). Taiju is the young, unopened bud of this chrysanthemum.

How is Taiju made?

Fresh chrysanthemum buds go through fixation (a short heat step that sets the bud) and drying. Nothing else is added.

When are chrysanthemum buds picked?

Taiju is a seasonal autumn harvest: buds are picked when the plants come into bloom, early, while they are still closed.

Is fetal chrysanthemum the same as chrysanthemum flower tea?

Both come from the chrysanthemum plant. Taiju is picked as an unopened bud, while other chrysanthemum teas use more open flowers. Buds give a cleaner, softer cup and keep their shape in the pot.

Brewing

How do I brew fetal chrysanthemum tea?

Brew 2–4 g of Taiju buds (about 20 buds ≈ 2 g) in 250–350 ml of water at 85–90°C (185–194°F) and steep for 2–3 minutes. The same buds can be brewed 2–3 times.

What water temperature is best for Taiju?

Use 85–90°C (185–194°F). Water that's too hot, or too many buds steeped too long, can make the cup bitter.

Can I add it to green tea or other teas?

Yes, if you like — you can steep a few buds with green tea or other teas. For a blended cup, use a temperature that suits the tea you're pairing (for example 80–85°C with green tea). Blending is optional.

Why does my chrysanthemum tea taste bitter?

Usually because there are too many buds or the steep is too long. Use 2–4 g for 250–350 ml at 85–90°C, and start tasting at 2–3 minutes.

Color and appearance

Why do some Taiju buds look a little green?

Some Taiju buds look slightly green because of the calyx, the small green sepals at the base of each bud. The calyx naturally contains chlorophyll, and during drying it can leave a soft green tint on the bud and on nearby buds.

What color should brewed Taiju be?

A fresh brew of Taiju is pale yellow to light yellow-green and clear. The PDP describes the soup as clean, with a natural fragrance.

Why does chrysanthemum tea turn greener if it sits for hours?

Chrysanthemum tea left standing for many hours can turn deeper green because of natural plant chemistry in the flower, which can shift color slowly with time, water pH, and minerals. We suggest brewing fresh and drinking it within the session. (No dye is involved; for dry-bud green tint, see the calyx note above.)

Does hard water change the color?

It can. Minerals in tap water can deepen the yellow-green tint. Filtered or soft water gives a paler, clearer cup.

Caffeine, storage, and testing

Can I buy Cha Wu Taiju in the US?

Yes. Cha Wu Taiju is sold on cha-wu.com, which ships from China, and in the Cha Wu WarmSun store on Amazon US.

Does fetal chrysanthemum tea have caffeine?

No. Chrysanthemum is a flower, not the tea plant (Camellia sinensis), so plain Taiju is naturally caffeine-free.

Is Cha Wu Taiju sulfur-fumigated?

No. Cha Wu Taiju is SGS-tested for sulfur dioxide, and the result was Not Detected (Report No. GZF26-0041936-01, method GB 5009.34-2022 Method I). The buds are naturally processed with no added ingredients.

How should I store fetal chrysanthemum?

Keep Taiju sealed, dry, and out of sunlight. For longer storage, keep the sealed bag in the refrigerator or freezer (around −18°C) and let it reach room temperature before opening. Each bag comes with a sealing clip.

How does Cha Wu grade Taiju?

Cha Wu grades by Tea-Feel Fullness (茶感饱满度): how complete and lasting the feel of the cup is. Our Taiju is offered in grade A. Its sweet, quiet floral flavor describes its character and doesn't set the grade.

→ Shop Tongxiang Taiju Chrysanthemum Buds · Flower & Herbal Tea
→ In the US: Taiju on Amazon · Cha Wu WarmSun Amazon store