Jasmine tea

Jasmine tea is a type of tea that has been flavored with the aroma of jasmine blossoms. It is a popular tea in many parts of the world, particularly in China, where it originated. Jasmine tea is typically made from green tea, but can also be made from white tea, black tea, or oolong tea.

History

Jasmine tea has a history dating back over 1,000 years. It was first produced in China during the Song Dynasty, but it did not become widely popular until the Ming Dynasty, when tea started to be exported in large quantities to the rest of the world.

Production

The production of jasmine tea involves a complex process that includes picking the tea leaves, drying them, and then scenting them with fresh jasmine flowers. The tea leaves are typically harvested in the early spring and stored until the late summer when fresh jasmine flowers are in bloom. The jasmine flowers are picked during the day and stored in a cool place until night. During the night, the flowers bloom with full fragrance. The tea leaves are then scented with the jasmine flowers overnight. This process may be repeated several times to achieve the desired level of fragrance.

Varieties

There are several varieties of jasmine tea, including Jasmine Pearl tea, which is made from the top two leaves and the bud of new season growth; these are hand-rolled into small pearls. There's also Jasmine Silver Needle tea, a type of jasmine tea made from only the leaf shoots of the tea plant.

Health Benefits

Jasmine tea is not only appreciated for its delicate flavor, but also for its health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body against damage from free radicals. Some studies suggest that jasmine tea may also help to reduce the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.

See Also

• Tea culture
• Chinese tea culture
• List of Chinese teas