Jasmine tea is a fragrant and flavorful beverage beloved worldwide, but it is not simply made by mixing jasmine flowers with tea leaves. Instead, it undergoes a meticulous scenting process (窨制工艺) that allows the tea to absorb the natural fragrance of fresh jasmine flowers. This process takes place over multiple rounds and ensures a high-quality, aromatic tea. Below is a detailed step-by-step explanation of how ceremonial-grade jasmine tea is made.
1. Hand-Picking Jasmine Buds (采摘)
- Fresh jasmine flower buds are carefully handpicked, typically during the late afternoon when the buds are still closed.
- Only high-quality jasmine buds are selected to ensure the best fragrance and flavor in the tea.
- Timing is crucial—picking the buds at the right moment is key to achieving the desired intensity of aroma.
2. Flower Selection (个花)
- The freshly picked jasmine buds are sorted to remove any damaged or substandard flowers.
- Tightly closed buds are selected because they will naturally bloom at night, releasing their fragrance as they open.
- This careful flower selection ensures that only the freshest jasmine buds are used for the scenting process.
3. Layering with Tea Leaves (茶坯拌合)
- Tea leaves, usually green tea or black tea, are evenly layered with fresh jasmine buds in a controlled environment.
- The ratio of tea to flowers is crucial—too many flowers can lead to excess moisture, while too few flowers will not impart enough fragrance.
- The tea leaves act as a sponge, absorbing the floral aroma released by the jasmine buds.
4. Resting & Scenting (静置窨花)
- The tea and jasmine buds are left undisturbed for several hours, typically overnight, in a temperature-controlled room.
- As temperatures drop during the night, the jasmine buds naturally bloom, releasing their fragrance into the tea.
- During this time, the tea absorbs the natural floral aroma, while adjusting to the humidity from the flowers.
5. Ventilation and Turning the Tea (通花)
- After the tea has absorbed the fragrance, it is gently stirred to ensure even scenting and prevent moisture buildup.
- This step is crucial for preserving the quality of the tea, preventing mold, and ensuring that the aroma remains intact.
- Depending on the desired intensity, the scenting process can be repeated multiple times. High-quality jasmine tea typically undergoes at least 6 rounds of scenting.
6. Separating Tea from Flowers (分离茶花)
- Once the tea has absorbed the desired fragrance, the spent jasmine flowers are carefully removed from the tea.
- By this stage, the flowers have released most of their essential oils and are no longer aromatic.
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Premium jasmine tea will not contain visible jasmine petals, as the fragrance is fully absorbed into the tea leaves, not left in the form of dried petals.
Final Step: Repeating for a Richer Aroma
- For premium-grade jasmine tea, the scenting process is repeated multiple times, sometimes up to 6-9 rounds, to deepen the floral aroma.
- Each round uses fresh, new jasmine flowers to ensure that the fragrance is natural, lasting, and authentic.
- The final tea is naturally scented, without any artificial flavors or essential oils.
Why High-Quality Jasmine Tea Does Not Contain Jasmine Flowers
Unlike mass-produced jasmine tea that often contains dried jasmine petals for aesthetic purposes, true jasmine tea does not contain visible flowers. The scenting process itself ensures that the tea absorbs the full essence of the jasmine flowers, providing a more naturally fragrant tea without the need for added flower petals. This results in a smoother, more authentic taste, free from any overpowering artificial perfume-like flavors.
Experience the Pure Essence of Jasmine Tea
Ceremonial-grade jasmine tea is a premium tea that offers the purest, most refined experience of jasmine aroma and flavor. By following traditional methods and avoiding artificial additives, this type of jasmine tea delivers the true floral essence of jasmine, offering a soothing and luxurious drinking experience.
Discover More Premium Loose Leaf Teas
In addition to our exquisite ceremonial-grade jasmine tea, we offer a wide selection of premium loose leaf teas that provide the perfect balance of flavor and quality. Explore our carefully crafted teas such as:
- Golden Peony Black Tea
- Golden Monkey Black Tea
- Lychee Artisan Black Tea
- Da Hong Pao Oolong Tea
- Millennia Wild Jujube Bud Herbal Tea
Explore our tea recipes for creative ways to enjoy these premium teas and elevate your tea experience.