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Jasmine tea is the most popular variety of flavored tea. This is because the blossoms have been used to scent and flavor every variety of tea: white, black, green and oolong. Green teas are usually the main ones that are flavored because, originally, they are not strong flavored teas. However, black teas can be flavored just like the green teas despite how strong their brews can be.
Cultivating the blossoms.
This flavored tea dates back to the Sung Dynasty. This delicate blossom only opens at night and is plucked in the morning when the tiny petals are tightly closed. They are then stored in a cool place until night. Between 6 and 8 in the evening, as the temperature cools, the petals begin to open. The blossoms and tea are put together in machines that control temperature and humidity. It takes four hours or so for the tea to absorb the fragrance and flavor of the blossoms, and for the highest grades, this process may be repeated as many as 7 times. The spent blossoms may or may not be removed from the final product, as the blossoms are completely dry and contain no aroma. They simply add visual appeal and are no indication of the quality of the tea.
Green, Oolong, and Black tea.
Today, most jasmine tea is still made with green tea, though the process is no longer carried out by hand. Most believe that the Fujian region of China produces the best jasmine tea because it is this area of China that produces the largest and most heavily scented blossoms and the loosest green tea leaves. The looser the tea leaves, the better they are able to absorb the fragrance. The first plucking of green tea will produce the best jasmine tea because the leaves are most tender.
While the majority of this flavored tea is green tea, white tea blends quite well with the blossom's fragrance and offers a sweet and subtle flavor and fragrance.
Oolong jasmine teas are smooth with the fruity taste that is common in oolong tea. However, the fragrant blossoms also makes the tea fragrant and sweet. You’ll find this tea to have one of the most distinctive flavors out of these flavored teas.
And, for the die hard black tea drinker, there is also black jasmine tea. This variety can be a bit harder to find than other varieties. Because black tea has a stronger flavor than other varieties of tea, the flavor is less noticeable when it is combined with black tea. Still many black tea lovers who favor lightly flavored teas find this blend very appealing.
Jasmine Tea Variety Water Temperature Steeping Time.
Green -- 160F -- 1-2 minutes
White -- 185F -- 5-8 minutes
Oolong -- Boiling -- 2-3 minutes
Black -- Boiling -- 3-5 minutes
Making sure the water temperature is appropriate is critical for making a good tea. Too much steeping and your tea will be bitter; too little and the tea will be thin and weak. Water that is too hot for delicate teas like green and white teas will compromise the tea’s light flavor.
Iced Tea.
Green and white teas that are flavored with these blossoms make wonderful iced tea. The fragrance and the light sweetness are perfect for a hot day. To make iced tea, brew several servings of tea at once and cool. For white and green teas, allow the tea to cool completely before you add ice. Adding ice to the hot tea may dilute the delicate flavor too much, making it taste weak and flavorless.
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Medicinal properties:
In recent years, tea, particularly green and white teas have received a lot of attention for their anti-oxidants. The
anti-oxidants in tea and other plant based foods help fight free radicals which we absorb from our every day environment (which damage our cells and DNA). A diet rich in anti-oxidants rid our bodies of these free radicals. Diets rich in green and white tea have been shown to prevent serious illnesses like high cholesterol and cancer.
Jasmine teas have been around for centuries for a reason. It’s one of the most delicious varieties of flavored tea around,
regardless of the type of tea used. Whether you choose black, white, oolong or green jasmine flavored tea, you’re sure to be
delighted by its fragrant bouquet and its sweet taste. It complements every flavor of tea and creates a soothing and
delicious beverage whether hot or cold.
Disclaimer: Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or dietitian. Information and statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
