Hangbai Chrysanthemum, also known as Xiaotanghuang or Xiaobaiju, is a specialty of the Hangzhou region. Tongxiang is renowned as the “Home of Hangbai Chrysanthemum.” The Hangbai Chrysanthemums produced in Tongxiang account for nine-tenths of the total volume of edible chrysanthemums in China. These products are very popular in Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia, enjoying a widespread reputation. Hang Chrysanthemums have a long history of cultivation in China, with “Hangbai Tribute Chrysanthemum” often mentioned alongside “Longjing Famous Tea.” In ancient times, it was even offered as tribute.
The production area of Hangbai Chrysanthemum is Tongxiang, Zhejiang. Unopened flower buds are called bud chrysanthemum, with the best among them known as King Bud Chrysanthemum, a precious floral beverage. The effects of Hangbai Chrysanthemum and bud chrysanthemum are similar, but bud chrysanthemum has a stronger aroma and a subtle honey fragrance.
Bud chrysanthemum, also known as sweet chrysanthemum, is another name for Xiaotanghuang or Xiaobaiju, which was offered as tribute in ancient times. Bud chrysanthemum is slightly cold in nature; its taste is bittersweet and somewhat bitter, and it can disperse wind-heat, soothe the liver and brighten the eyes, and clear heat and detoxify. Chrysanthemum tea made from bud chrysanthemum has a pure taste, is strong, and has a golden color, containing the fragrance of honey. Moreover, it remains intact even after Steeping for a long time.
Bud chrysanthemum is the finest variety of Hangbai Chrysanthemum. It is collected when the Hangbai Chrysanthemum flowers are not yet fully open. The first picking of these unopened flowers is referred to as bud chrysanthemum. The first two pickings yield the highest quality. After drying, the specially selected top-quality flowers are the initial buds of the flower heads that have just begun to bloom. They are carefully steamed and baked, resulting in a unique flavor. Due to their scarcity, they are quite precious. Additionally, smaller, completely unopened chrysanthemum buds processed further are known as chrysanthemum grains.