Jasmine Pearl Tea, also known as Jasmine Dragon Pearls, is a luxurious and highly revered scented tea that embodies elegance and craftsmanship. This exquisite tea is carefully hand-rolled using tender green and white tea leaves, intricately infused with the alluring aroma of fresh jasmine blossoms.
History of Jasmine Pearl Tea
Originating from the prestigious Hunan Province in China, Jasmine Pearl Tea is a timeless blend that offers a delicate and indulgent experience with sweet floral notes and a touch of fresh greenery. The history of this remarkable tea can be traced back to the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD), when the art of scenting tea with jasmine flowers first flourished. Initially reserved for Chinese royalty, this intricate craft symbolised sophistication and luxury.
Tea artisans meticulously developed methods to capture the delicate fragrance of jasmine blossoms, which were hand-picked during the summer months in the evening when their aroma was most potent.
These flowers were carefully layered with tea leaves overnight, allowing the leaves to absorb their enchanting fragrance. This labour-intensive process required exceptional skill to ensure the perfect balance between the tea and the floral aroma.
Over time, this Jasmine Tea gained popularity beyond the imperial court and eventually found its way across the globe via expanding trade routes. Today, it remains one of the most treasured scented teas, cherished for its refined qualities and rich heritage. This tea continues to reflect the mastery and elegance of its origins, offering a sensory experience that is both timeless and extraordinary.
The Process of Making this Tea
The creation of Jasmine Pearl Tea is a meticulous process that requires both skill and patience. The tea leaves, usually high-quality green tea or white tea, are harvested in early spring when they are young and fresh.
These leaves are then hand-rolled into small pearls, a labour-intensive task that ensures consistency in shape and size. The pearls are then carefully dried to prepare them for the scenting process.
The jasmine flowers, on the other hand, are picked during the peak bloom season, typically in the summer. The flowers are collected early in the morning while their buds are still closed, allowing them to retain their maximum aroma.
During the scenting process, the tea pearls are layered with freshly bloomed jasmine petals overnight. The flowers open and release their natural oils and fragrance, which are absorbed by the loose leaf tea.
This process may be repeated multiple times, depending on the desired intensity of the aroma, with each layer of jasmine flowers replaced by fresh ones.
Once the scenting is complete, the tea is carefully dried again to lock in the floral essence and preserve its delicate balance of flavors. The end result is an aromatic and visually stunning tea that unfurls gracefully during steeping, releasing its signature jasmine fragrance and a smooth, slightly sweet taste.
Each sip offers a harmonious blend of tradition, artistry, and an unforgettable sensory experience.
How to Brew Jasmine Pearl Green Tea
Brewing Jasmine Pearl Tea is a simple, yet rewarding process that ensures you can fully appreciate its refined flavor and aroma. Follow these steps for the perfect cup:
- Measure the Tea Pearls – Use approximately 1 teaspoon per 8-ounce cup of water. Adjust the amount based on your taste preferences for a stronger or milder brew.
- Heat the Water – Heat fresh, filtered water to around 175°F to 185°F (80°C to 85°C). Avoid using boiling water, as it can scald the delicate tea leaves, leading to a bitter taste.
- Steep the Tea – Place the tea pearls in your teapot or infuser and pour the hot water over them. Allow the tea to steep for 2 to 3 minutes. During steeping, the pearls will unfurl, releasing their aroma and flavor into the water.
- Taste and Adjust – Taste the tea after 2 minutes to check its strength. If you prefer a more robust flavor, extend the steeping time by 30-second intervals. Avoid over-steeping, as this can make the tea overly strong or bitter.
- Serve and Enjoy – Pour the brewed tea into your cup, leaving the unfurled leaves behind. Savour the delicate floral fragrance and smooth taste of your Jasmine Pearl Tea.
For multiple infusions, reuse the same tea pearls and slightly increase the steeping time with each subsequent brew. The high-quality leaves can be enjoyed over several infusions, offering a new depth of flavor with every cup.
Tasting Notes
Offering a delicate and complex flavor profile that is both soothing and refreshing. Here are some tasting notes to help you further appreciate its unique qualities:
- Aroma: The tea has a strong aroma of fresh jasmine flowers, with subtle hints of honey and greenery.
- Flavour: Upon first sip, you will taste the floral notes of jasmine blossoms, followed by a smooth sweetness reminiscent of honey or nectar. As the tea lingers on your palate, you may also detect subtle grassy undertones from the high-quality green or white tea leaves.
- Appearance: Usually has an emerald-green colour when dry.
Storage Advice
To preserve the exquisite quality and flavor of your Jasmine Pearl Tea, proper storage is essential. Keep the tea in the original packaging or an airtight container to protect it from exposure to air, moisture, and light, which can degrade its delicate aroma and taste.
Store the container in a cool, dry place, away from strong odours, as tea can absorb surrounding scents. Avoid placing it near heat sources or direct sunlight, which may impact the tea’s freshness.
For optimal enjoyment, we recommend consuming your Jasmine Pearl Tea within the recommended time on the package.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure every cup delivers the exceptional experience it was crafted for.
In Summery
This delicate and aromatic blend is crafted from hand-rolled tea leaves and blossoms. Known for its floral aroma, smooth sweetness, and subtle grassy undertones, it provides a refined tasting experience.
To maintain its quality, proper storage in an airtight container, kept in a cool, dry place away from heat, moisture, and strong odours, is crucial. Enjoy the tea at its finest within the recommended time for a truly exceptional cup.