A cup of tea where the fragrance of jasmine blossom accompanies each sip is an easy way to uplift the mood. This tea has been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures, particularly in Asia, where its soothing aroma and potential health benefits have been celebrated.
Jasmine tea is a tea blend that combines tea leaves with the essence of jasmine blossoms or at times just the bud of jasmine flowers. The result is a beverage with a subtle floral aroma and a smooth, flavorful taste.
HISTORY OF JASMINE TEA
We can trace the origin of jasmine tea to China when tea masters added jasmine flowers to green tea leaves. However, the specific practice of blending tea with jasmine flowers began much later. Over the years, the popularity of jasmine tea spread more because of the Chinese trade. During the 19th century, British traders introduced jasmine tea to Europe, where it gained favor among tea enthusiasts.
PRODUCTION PROCESS
Jasmine green tea is seen as one of the most delicious and popular flavored teas. The green tea leaves are picked during the late spring, after that they are dried, roasted, and steamed using these techniques.
Drying
The first step involves drying the leaves to get the best flavors. Drying can be done by various methods like sunlight, or using machines. The main purpose of drying the leaves is to remove moisture from the leaves.
Scenting
This process is normally practiced in layers,fresh jasmine blossoms are added to the tea leaves to impart their fragrance. This has to be done many times to make sure that the tea leaves are fully absorbed in the aroma.
Packaging
The sorted jasmine green tea is then packaged in airtight containers to preserve its freshness and aromatic qualities. Proper packaging is essential to maintain the tea’s flavor and aroma over time
FLAVOR PROFILE OF THE JASMINE TEA
Jasmine tea offers floral fragrance with every sip. The scent of jasmine flowers gives the tea its signature aroma, which is both soothing and uplifting.If you pair your jasmine tea with keeping in base green tea you’re likely to get a fresh, slightly grassy taste with hints of floral notes.
While jasmine oolong tea provides a more complex flavor with a hint of toasty richness.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF JASMINE TEA
Jasmine tea is not only popular because of its fresh and floral flavor but also for the health benefits it offers.
- Jasmine tea, particularly when made with green tea, is rich in antioxidants such as catechins and polyphenols.
- Jasmine green tea may also support digestive health. Green tea has been shown to have antimicrobial properties that can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria and promote overall gastrointestinal health
- Also, the aroma that the jasmine tea produces is known to relax the mind and make it stress-free.
HOW TO PREPARE A JASMINE TEA?
- Boil a pot of water, but keep the temperature a little below the boiling point.
- If using loose jasmine leaves take about 1 teaspoon of tea leaves per 8 ounces of cup of water.
- Pour a small amount of hot water into the cup and swirl it around to warm the vessel. Discard the water after preheating.
- Place the jasmine tea leaves in the cup.
- Gently pour the hot water over the tea leaves
- Let it steep for 2-3 minutes.
- After steeping, remove the tea leaves from the cup.
- Your jasmine tea is ready to enjoy.
CONCLUSION
Jasmine tea is a refined and fragrant drink that combines the subtle aroma of jasmine with a choice of ase tea. Its delicate fragrance, soothing nature, and beneficial properties make it a beloved choice among tea enthusiasts worldwide.