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 Variety – Water Temp – Steeping Time
Black Jasmine – Boiling – 3 to 5 minutes
White Jasmine – 185=83F – 5 to 8 minutes
Green Jasmine – 160=83F – 1 to 2 minutes
Oolong Jasmine – Boiling – 2 to 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 – you’re sure to be pleased.
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Marcus Stout is President of the Golden Moon
Tea Company. For more information about tea,
(http://www.goldenmoontea.com/greentea)
green tea (http://www.goldenmoontea.com/blacktea)
and black tea go to http://www.goldenmoontea.com
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