All About Jasmine Tea: Jasmine Green vs Black
Jasmine tea is a popular scented tea loved by many. People enjoy its sweet floral smell and calming effects. This ancient tea-making practice originated in China, where artisans perfected it over centuries.
In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about jasmine tea. We will discuss its history and how to make the perfect cup. Whether you love tea or are just starting, this guide will help you learn about this tea.
Introduction to Jasmine Tea
Jasmine tea has a rich history, dating back to the Song Dynasty in China. The practice of adding jasmine flowers to tea began during this time. Over the years, it has become a beloved tea around the world.
Traditional jasmine is made by steeping tea leaves, like green, white, or black, with fresh jasmine flowers. The delicate floral notes complement the tea’s natural flavor, creating a harmonious and soothing cup of tea.
How is Jasmine Tea Made?
Making tea is an intricate process that requires precision and skill. Here’s an overview of how this tea is crafted:
Preparing the Tea Base
The first step in crafting tea is selecting high-quality tea leaves. Depending on the tea, you can use different varieties like green, black, or white tea as the base. Green tea is the most common, though jasmine black tea offers a richer, more robust flavor profile.
Harvesting Fresh Jasmine Flowers
Only the best jasmine flowers are chosen for scenting the tea. Farmers usually harvest the flowers during the day when they smell most fragrant, especially during peak blooming seasons. Harvesters pluck jasmine flower buds with care to avoid bruising and to preserve their delicate fragrance.
Blending Tea with Jasmine Flowers
Once the tea leaves and flowers are prepared, the two are blended together. The tray holds the flowers layered over the tea leaves, allowing the tea to absorb the natural aroma of the fresh jasmine.
The scenting process can take several hours. Depending on the tea, someone may repeat it many times. This helps create the perfect jasmine infusion.
Drying and Preserving the Tea
After the tea has been scented with jasmine, the flowers are removed, and the tea is dried to preserve its flavor and aroma. Quality tea retains a natural fragrance and fresh taste even after drying.
Types of Jasmine Tea
- Jasmine Green Tea: A light, refreshing tea with a subtle jasmine fragrance, perfect for those who enjoy mild flavors.
-
Jasmine Black Tea: A more robust version, where the jasmine aroma pairs well with the deep, bold notes of black tea.
How to Make Jasmine Tea?
Brewing perfect cup is an art in itself. To enjoy the best cup, follow these steps:
Steeping Time and Temperature
The steeping time and temperature are crucial for getting the most out of your flavor. For jasmine green tea, steep it at 170-180°F (76-82°C) for about 2-3 minutes.
Jasmine black tea needs higher temperatures, about 200-205°F (93-95°C). It also requires a longer steeping time of 3-5 minutes. Be mindful of your tea type, as over-steeping can result in bitterness.
How to Steep Jasmine Tea?
Seven Teahouse provides high-quality jasmine tea bags for everyday use. These are not crushed tea leaves, but authentic tea leaves that allow the tea to unfurl and unleash its complete taste.
More Creative Brewing tips: Lime Jasmine Green Tea, Jasmine Milk Tea.
Health Benefits of Jasmine Tea
Jasmine tea offers more than just a delightful flavor and aroma. It comes with a range of health benefits:
- Rich in Antioxidants: Jasmine tea, especially when made with green or white tea, is full of antioxidants. These antioxidants help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals.
- Aids in Relaxation: The soothing aroma of jasmine can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Sipping a cup of jasmine tea before bed may even improve your sleep quality.
- Sensitive to Caffeine?: Jasmine tea typically contains caffeine, though the amount varies depending on the tea base used. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, opt for jasmine white tea or control your steeping time to minimize caffeine content.
Beyond Drinking
Jasmine tea can also be used in other ways:
- Culinary Uses: Jasmine tea can be used to add a floral note to desserts, such as cakes, cookies, or even ice cream.
- Aromatherapy: The scent of jasmine is known to calm the mind. You can use jasmine tea leaves in sachets to freshen your home or linen.
Choosing Quality Jasmine Tea
When selecting jasmine tea, always look for quality over quantity. Producers often make premium jasmine tea using high-quality tea leaves and fresh jasmine flowers. The traditional scenting methods, like those used by Seven Teahouse, help the tea keep its rich, fragrant smell. A tray of tea leaves infused with jasmine is the hallmark of a fine jasmine tea.
Conclusion: A Cup of Jasmine Tea
Jasmine tea offers a unique sensory experience. It starts with carefully blending jasmine flowers and tea leaves. Then, you enjoy a perfectly steeped cup.
Whether you’re savoring a strong jasmine black tea or a lighter jasmine green tea, every sip offers a taste of history, tradition, and craftsmanship. Try experimenting with different jasmine tea varieties and steeping times to find the perfect balance that suits your taste.
At Seven Teahouse, we’re passionate about bringing you the best jasmine tea experience. Our Jasmine Black Tea is carefully crafted, with every step focused on quality. Discover more about our collection, and elevate your tea-drinking ritual with the finest jasmine tea blends today!
