Infusing wine with fresh flowers is an ancient technique. However, the Compendium of Materia Medica states: "F…
Infusing wine with fresh flowers is an ancient technique. However, the Compendium of Materia Medica states: "For peonies, only red and white single-petalled varieties should be used as medicine. The multi-petalled exotic types are the result of human artifice; their essence is impure and unfit for use." The Nine-Stamen Pearl is a multi-petalled crimson flower with a peculiar taste. It is only used in the palace because it stains the wine, which is seen as an auspicious sign. Fortunately, no one who has been graced with the imperial wine has ever complained about the taste.