The tea opens green-gold and clouded, with every leaf and stalk sinking to the bottom—except for the small, violet-grey grains that float, turning slowly on the surface. They are the only colour in the cup that isn’t green or brown, and the only thing that came from near a flower. The scent is layered: mint first, lemon underneath, and then something softer, faintly sweet, waiting behind the others. The floral note lingers at the roof of the mouth, more felt than tasted. Those floating grains are not petals, but the calyx—the sleeve that once held the flower. In lavender, the scent is kept not in the petal, but in the holder. The flower falls, but the calyx stays, carrying the memory of what was once there.
Today's cup: Happy Melon Tea exclusive to their studio in Armadale, Melbourne.
\---
A tea and a musing every weekday morning.
Before It Begins is made by Impala & Peacock Artisan Teas, blended by hand in Melbourne. To join our tea ritual - click here.
