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Jasmine tea is the most popular variety of flavored tea. This
is, in part because Jasmine has been used to scent and flavor
every variety of tea: white, black, green and oolong. So, no
matter your preference in tea, there is a Jasmine tea for you.
Jasmine tea dates back to the Sung Dynasty.
To make this delicious blend, tea artisans plucked jasmine
blossoms just as they were beginning to open. Then the petals
were stored in a cool place until nightfall, when the blossoms
began to release their fragrance. They were then added to dry
green tea leaves, to allow the dry tea leaves to absorb the
fragrance. Ordinary grades of tea were scented two or three
times; the special grades even more.
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 jasmine blossoms and the loosest green tea
leaves.
The looser the tea leaves, the better they are able to absorb
the jasmine fragrance. The first plucking of green tea will
produce the best jasmine tea because the leaves are at their
tenderest.
While the majority of jasmine tea is green tea, there are also
quite a few white and oolong jasmine teas. White tea, in
particular, lends itself quite well to being combined with
jasmine because both offer a sweet and subtle flavor and
fragrance.
Oolong jasmine teas are smooth with the fruity taste that is
common in oolong tea. However, the jasmine also makes the tea
fragrant and sweet. You’ll find oolong jasmine tea to have one
of the most distinctive flavors of any jasmine tea.
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 of jasmine tea. Because black tea has a
stronger flavor than other varieties of tea, the jasmine 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.
Regardless of the variety of jasmine tea you choose, you should
make the time and effort to brew the tea correctly to ensure the
best flavor. First, begin with the best loose tea. The best way
to ensure that you get good tea is to purchase it from a
reputable tea shop whether in your local area or online. Really
good tea may cost a bit more, but its quality is unmistakable.
Brewing good tea requires fresh cold water. Put the water in a
clean tea kettle and bring it to a boil on the stove.
Meanwhile, put hot tap water in your teapot to warm it up while
the water is heating. Once the water boils, remove the tap water
from your pot and add your tea leaves. For white jasmine tea,
use about 2 teaspoons of loose tea per cup. For other jasmine
teas, you’ll only need about 1 teaspoon per cup. Follow the
table below to choose the appropriate water temperature and
steeping time for your jasmine tea.
Tea VarietyWater TemperatureSteeping Time
Black JasmineBoiling 3-5 minutes
White Jasmine185=B0F 5-8 minutes
Green Jasmine160=B0F 1-2 minutes
Oolong Jasmine Boiling 2-3 minutes
Adhering to the appropriate water temperature and steeping time
is critical for making 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
will compromise the tea’s light flavor.
Jasmine tea, particularly, green and white jasmine teas, are
also wonderful for iced tea. The jasmine fragrance and 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.
Jasmine tea has 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 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. And jasmine tea is a healthy
beverage, too.
In recent years, tea, particularly green and white teas have
received a lot of attention for their potent anti-oxidants. The
anti-oxidants in tea and other plant based foods help fight free
radicals in our bodies.
These free radicals are oxygen containing molecules that damage
our cells and DNA. A diet rich in anti-oxidants rid our bodies
of these free radicals before they can damage our bodies. Diets
rich in green and white tea have been shown to prevent serious
illnesses like cancer, high cholesterol and cancer.
So, as you can see, jasmine tea is good and good for you. So,
try some jasmine tea yourself =96 you’re sure to be pleased.
About The Author: Marcus Stout is President of the Golden Moon
Tea Company. For more information about tea, wholesale tea and
black tea go to http://www.goldenmoontea.com.
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