Tea: How Is Jasmine Tea Different From Other Teas?

Summary: If you're a tea drinker, it's likely that you've tried jasmine tea. Jasmine tea is the most popular blend of Chinese tea, and has been produced for more than 700 years. It was first produced during the Sung dynasty, by plucking the jasmine leaves as soon as they begin to bloom. The freshly plucked jasmine leaves were stored in a cool place until nightfall, when the blossoms began to release their fragrance. Then the jasmine petals were added to dry heaps of tea leaves, to ...

If you're a tea drinker, it's likely that you've tried jasmine tea. Jasmine tea is the most popular blend of Chinese tea, and has been produced for more than 700 years. It was first produced during the Sung dynasty, by plucking the jasmine leaves as soon as they begin to bloom. The freshly plucked jasmine leaves were stored in a cool place until nightfall, when the blossoms began to release their fragrance. Then the jasmine petals were added to dry heaps of tea leaves, to allow the dry tea leaves to absorb the fragrance. Ordinary grades were scented two or three times; the special grades even more. Today, the process is much the same, though it may not be carried out by hand these days. The best jasmine tea is said to come from the Fujian province in China. This is because this area of China produces the largest and heaviest scented jasmine leaves and some of the loosest tea leaves, which can absorb the jasmine fragrance better. Like with most other teas, the first pluckings in the spring produce the very best jasmine tea because the tea leaves are so tender. In fact, jasmine tea produced from the first pluckings of the tea leaves is sometimes referred to as "Spring Breeze" jasmine tea. Jasmine tea has been the favorite tea of those in northern China for many years, but has gained favor all over the world in more recent years. There are some interesting facts and differences about jasmine tea.