Although the jasmine flower originated in Persia, it was introduced to China and planted there during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). Tea, of course, had already been well established in China by then. The pairing of jasmine flowers with tea leaves (creating Jasmine Tea), however, likely began much later – most records point to the Song or Ming Dynasties.
Jasmine tea is a favorite among those who love sweet and highly aromatic teas. While most teas develop floral notes naturally from their origin and processing, jasmine tea’s fragrance comes from the tea being scented with real jasmine blossoms.
The flavor of a quality jasmine tea will be sweet, refreshing, and exceptionally aromatic! When brewing jasmine tea, the aroma of the flowers fills the room immediately. It’s a celebration of the senses. The aroma of jasmine tea is known to relax and lift the mood. Many tea drinkers find that regular jasmine tea sessions help them feel calmer and more content. 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 Ming Dynasty (14th–17th centuries). Fujian is located in southeast China. The subtropical climate provides ideal conditions for jasmine cultivation.
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 competed to produce the absolute best tea, which was highly regarded by the Emperor.
Jasmine tea from Fujian remains the most revered. Centuries of craftsmanship and expertise have set Fujian jasmine teas apart from all others. However, other warm Chinese provinces and countries such as Vietnam and Taiwan also produce delicious jasmine teas that offer their own 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 to leave customers feeling refreshed and relaxed.
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 undergo multiple rounds of scenting, in which 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. - At night, 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 tea can be scented with jasmine. By far, the most popular jasmine tea is green tea. The fresh, vegetal taste of green tea pairs perfectly with the sweet, 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. 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 rarer, jasmine flowers can also be enjoyed on their own as a tisane. Because jasmine flowers require strict harvesting practices and have an intense taste and aroma, they are more often blended with other teas or herbs than enjoyed on their own.
