Although jasmine originated in Persia, it was brought over to China and planted there during the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD). As we already know, tea originated in China. It is to no surprise that jasmine tea saw its birth in China as well.
Jasmine tea always tops the favorites list of tea drinkers who like sweet and exceptionally aromatic teas. While most of our teas have floral aromas solely because of the processing and growing regions, the floral scent of jasmine tea actually comes from it being infused with the flowers.
The flavor of a quality jasmine tea will be sweet, refreshing, and exceptionally aromatic! When brewing jasmine tea, the scent of the flowers immediately fills the room. It’s a celebration of the senses. The aroma of jasmine tea is known to relax and alleviate the mood. People who drink jasmine tea regularly say they feel much happier and relaxed. Particularly when choosing a tea for relaxation, we recommend jasmine tea without hesitation!
Sweet and aromatic jasmine flowers go exceptionally well with fresh, grassy, and somewhat astringent tea leaves.
Fujian Province - The Birthplace of Jasmine Tea
Jasmine tea was first produced in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, during the Song Dynasty (960 - 1127 AD). Fujian is located in southeast China. The weather is subtropical, which provides for ideal jasmine growing conditions.
The Song Dynasty was a time for tea ingenuity. Many tea practices were refined, and people of the court prioritized receiving gifts of tea. It was a time when tea farmers would compete to produce the absolute best tea, which would be highly regarded by the Emperor.
Jasmine tea from Fujian province is undoubtedly the most revered! Years of careful craftsmanship and expertise bring Fujian Jasmine tea above all others. However, other warm Chinese provinces, and countries like Vietnam and Taiwan also produce delicious jasmine teas, which offer their unique charm and are worth trying.
While Fujian is the origin of jasmine tea, this aromatic tea has swept the world by storm. Nowadays, you can find jasmine tea in almost any cafe or supermarket around the globe. Many Chinese restaurants serve jasmine tea to cleanse and refresh the palate. And, of course, to put customers in a jolly mood.
How Is Jasmine Tea Processed?
There are two ways of producing jasmine tea - the first is to scent the camellia sinensis tea leaves with fresh jasmine flowers. A process that takes a lot of time and effort but produces the absolute best results. In fact, the highest quality jasmine teas go through multiple rounds of scenting, where fresh jasmine flowers are layered with tea leaves several times to infuse the fragrance deeply.
Another method is flavoring the tea with natural or artificial jasmine oils or flavors. We recommend steering clear of the second version.
- First, the tea leaves are harvested in the spring. They are carefully stored until summertime.
- In the summer, the jasmine flowers are ready for harvest.
Jasmine flowers are hand-picked at early dawn, while they are still tightly shut. - During the nighttime, the flowers begin to open, releasing their enticing aroma. The farmers prepare to scent the tea leaves.
- The jasmine flowers are layered with the tea leaves and left to scent for five hours.
This process is repeated multiple times. Each time the old jasmine flowers are filtered out, and new fresh flowers are added. The more times the tea leaves are scented - the better the final tea will be. - Finally, the tea is dried and prepared for packaging.
Dragon Pearls Green Tea is considered the highest quality of jasmine tea. It is scented a total of 9 times.
The final product requires weeks of careful labor to produce the most delicious and aromatic tea. The result, however… oh so worth it!
Which Teas Are Scented With Jasmine?
Any Camellia Sinensis teas can be scented with jasmine. The most popular jasmine tea is by far green tea. The fresh and vegetal taste of green tea goes perfectly well with the sweet and aromatic jasmine flowers. Other popular varieties are Jasmine Black Tea and Jasmine White Tea, as well as our outstanding Jasmine Tibetan Tea. Jasmine black teas are particularly robust, sweet, and mellow. While Jasmine White teas are nutty, creamy, and silky. Of course, at the end of the day, it will also greatly depend on the variety and processing method of the tea itself.
"Golden Buds" Jasmine Black Tea
Although more rare, jasmine flowers can also be enjoyed on their own, as a tisane. Because jasmine flowers require strict harvesting practices, and because of their intense taste and aroma, they are more frequently blended with other teas or herbs rather than enjoyed on their own.
