Sakurayu facts for kids
Sakurayu (Japanese: 桜湯), also called Sakura-cha (桜茶), means "cherry blossom tea." It is a special Japanese drink made by soaking pickled cherry blossoms in hot water. This creates a type of herbal tea that people in East Asia have enjoyed for a very long time.
How Sakurayu is Made
The main part of Sakurayu is the petals from cherry blossoms. These are picked in the middle to late spring when the cherry trees are blooming. After the small green parts (calyxes) are taken off, the petals are pickled. This means they are soaked in plum vinegar and salt. Then, they are dried. Once dried, these special cherry blossoms are stored or put into tea packets to be sold.
To make Sakurayu, you just need a few of these dried, salty blossoms. You sprinkle them into a cup of hot water. When the hot water touches them, the petals that were closed up will open and float beautifully. You let the tea sit for a bit until it tastes just right. The drink has a slightly salty taste, but it is also very light and a little sweet.
When is Sakurayu Served?
In Japan, there is a saying, "ocha wo nigosu." "Ocha" means tea, and "nigosu" means to make something unclear or cloudy. So, the saying literally means "to make the tea cloudy." However, its real meaning is to be unclear, vague, or not commit to something.
Because of this saying, green tea is usually not served at Japanese weddings. Instead, "Sakurayu" is served. Sakurayu is chosen for weddings because it represents a "new beginning." This makes it a perfect drink for celebrating a marriage.
See also
In Spanish: Sakurayu para niños
