Jasmine tea is for many people their introduction to the world of tea: a fragrant cup in an Asian restaurant, a tea bag in the office, a glass in summer. Often, one thing in particular remains in the memory: a very strong, perfumed floral taste.
Good jasmine tea tastes different.
It is clear, delicate and calm – a green tea accompanied by jasmine, not the other way around.
In this guide, we'll look at what jasmine tea actually is , where it comes from, how it's traditionally made , how to prepare it mildly , and how to recognize high-quality jasmine tea when you want to buy jasmine tea.
If you want to get started right away: In the NOEMA shop you will find traditionally scented jasmine tea (JASMINE OP) as loose tea – ideal if you want to brew real jasmine tea at home.
WHAT IS JASMINE TEA?
Jasmine tea is not a separate type of tea, but rather green tea scented with fresh jasmine blossoms . Sometimes the base is white tea or oolong – but in most cases it remains green tea.
Important for quality:
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High-quality jasmine tea is not artificially flavored.
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The fragrance comes from real flowers , not from a bottle.
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The blossoms are temporarily placed directly with the tea , but are later removed.
ORIGIN: WHERE DOES GOOD JASMINE TEA GROW?
The history of jasmine tea begins in southern China , particularly in the provinces of Fujian and Guangxi . Regions like Hengxian remain a center for jasmine cultivation and fragrance production to this day.
What distinguishes these regions:
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Hilly landscapes with lots of greenery
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humid, mild air
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slow growth of tea plants
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a long processing tradition
HOW IS JASMINE TEA MADE?
The difference between "okay" and really good jasmine tea lies in the production process. It's elaborate – and you can taste it.
1. Make green tea
First, a classic green tea is produced:
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young leaves are picked
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briefly wilted
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Heat-set (0% oxidation – typical green tea)
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shaped (flat, twisted or into small, hand-rolled balls)
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dried
2. Scent with jasmine blossoms
Then comes the scent:
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The finished tea is layered with fresh jasmine blossoms.
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The blossoms release their aroma to the leaf over the course of several hours.
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Wilted, "used-up" jasmine is removed again
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Depending on the quality level, the process is repeated several times.
3. Stabilize & Sort
Then comes the scent:
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The finished tea is layered with fresh jasmine blossoms.
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The blossoms release their aroma to the leaf over the course of several hours.
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Wilted, "used-up" jasmine is removed again
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Depending on the quality level, the process is repeated several times.
This results in a jasmine tea that has a distinct fragrance, but remains clear, calm and unperfumed in taste.
WHAT DOES JASMINE TEA TASTE?
Those who are only familiar with perfumed jasmine tea bags are often surprised by how delicious good jasmine tea tastes.
Typical profile:
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Scent: intense, bright jasmine – floral, but not overpowering
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Taste: mildly sweet, floral, with a clear green tea base
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Body: light to medium, without syrupy heaviness
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Aftertaste: fragrant, clean, with a delicate freshness
If jasmine tea tastes soapy, very sweet, or artificial, this is usually a sign of:
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strong flavoring
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weak basal leaf
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or a fragrance where quantity was more important than balance
Good jasmine tea has a light, airy flavor. You can taste the blossom – but you taste the tea.
JASMINE TEA PREPARATION: TEMPERATURE AND STEWING TIME
To ensure jasmine tea remains mild and clear, temperature and time are your most important factors.
A good starting point:
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Dosage: 2–3 g jasmine tea per 200 ml water
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Water temperature: 75–80 °C
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Brewing time: 1.5–2.5 minutes
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Pour off completely
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2-3 infusions are easily possible.
If you like it particularly soft and sweet, go for the lower end of the scale:
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75–78 °C
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1.5–2 minutes
This keeps the blossom clear, without any bitterness coming to the fore.
Pour jasmine tea several times
Good, loose jasmine tea is too good for just one infusion.
Typical scaling:
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1st infusion: most pronounced bloom, clear and floral.
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Second infusion: rounder, softer, often sweeter
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3rd infusion: lighter, very fine, almost only fragrance.
Using a small pitcher or gaiwan, you can make several cups from one serving – each with its own unique flavor.
BUYING JASMINE TEA: HOW CAN I RECOGNIZE GOOD QUALITY?
If you want to buy jasmine tea and don't want to stop at dm, discount stores or drugstores, a few simple markers will help:
Pay attention to:
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loose jasmine tea leaves instead of tea bags
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Clear indications of origin (e.g. Fujian or Guangxi)
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Indications such as "traditionally scented" or "with fresh jasmine blossoms"
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whole, intact leaves after infusion
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a light, clear cup color
When you then select JASMINE OP or hand-rolled jasmine beads in the NOEMA shop, you can try out at your own pace which style suits you better – classically clear or somewhat denser, with more structure.
