Yunyang Chrysanthemums: From Cultivation to Cup

Yunyang Chrysanthemums are a signature flower of Yunyang County in Chongqing City. They have a flat spherical shape with an even coloration. Their ray florets are either ivory or a faint yellow, while the disc florets are yellow.

The petals are thick and the scent is fresh and prominent with a sweet, mellow flavor. The tea brewed from these flowers is clear, light, and brightly yellow.

The Yunhuang Chrysanthemum, however, has an irregular spherical shape with thick petals. Its ray florets are golden while the disc florets are brown. The scent is fresh with no odd odors.

Basic Introduction

Yunyang Chrysanthemums are an agricultural product of Yunyang County in Chongqing City. In September 2020, they were included in the second batch of the National Directory of Superior New Agricultural Products

Place of Origin

These chrysanthemums are grown in several towns in Yunyang County, Chongqing City including Hongshi Town, Yanping Town, Longjiao Town, and Nixi Town.

Quality Characteristics

Yunyang Chrysanthemums have a moisture content of 9.6-11.1%, a geraniol content of 0.49-0.53%, a chlorogenic acid content of 0.44-0.48%, and a 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid content of 1.39-1.94%.

Growing Environment

Yunyang Chrysanthemums are grown in the Yangtze River Three Gorges Ecological Zone, located at 108°24′32″E to 109°14′51″E and 30°35′6″N to 31°26′30″N. This region has a subtropical monsoon climate with abundant sunlight, hot summers, warm winters, and ample rainfall.

The Yangtze River runs through the area, covering a distance of 68.1 kilometers, with a total annual runoff of 23.71 billion cubic meters in the valleys of Tangxi River, Pengxi River, Modaoxi River, and Changtan River.

The area has abundant water resources, with good quality and no pollution. The soil is mainly purple soil and yellow soil, fertile, with a pH value of 5.0-7.2.

Yunyang Chrysanthemums are commonly grown at an altitude of 600-1200m in the 5A-level Longgang Natural Scenic Area and the National Organic Chrysanthemum Cultivation Comprehensive Standardization Demonstration Area in Yunyang County, Chongqing City.

The natural conditions of these production areas are unique and provide an excellent environment for the growth of high-quality chrysanthemums.

Preservation Method

Once opened, they should be stored in the refrigerator for preservation.

Brewing Method

Place 6-8 Yunyang Chrysanthemums (fetal chrysanthemums) or 1-2 Yunyang Chrysanthemums (flower chrysanthemums) in a cup and brew with boiling water as a substitute for tea.

Harvest Time

Harvest time is from October to November, with the best quality period being in November.