Best Jasmine Green Tea to Buy Online

Crafted from green tea leaves and jasmine blossoms, this tea is a mixture of vegetal undertones and perfume-y jasmine. The tea leaves are often infused with jasmine flavor by carefully layering them with fresh jasmine blossoms, allowing the green tea to absorb the floral aroma.

The origins of jasmine green tea are actually quite interesting. As far as I understand, the blend can be traced back to ancient China, where the art of tea blending and scenting grew during the Ming Dynasty. Initially created as a tribute to the jasmine flower, the tea-making process involved a step that has now become a tradition: layering green tea leaves with freshly harvested jasmine blossoms. Over time, this delicate floral infusion method spread to other regions, becoming a beloved choice for tea lovers who wanted a fragrant and soothing pot of tea.

Blend Composition: A premium jasmine green tea blend typically has high-quality green tea leaves with fresh jasmine blossoms. The balance and quality of these components contribute to the tea's overall flavor and aroma, so be sure to do your research!

Flavor Profile: Look for a well-balanced flavor that harmonizes the grassy notes of green tea with the floral sweetness of jasmine. The tea shouldn't be too bitter, and you should be able to taste both the jasmine and the freshness of tea. It's a good idea to check out customer reviews for any blend you're thinking of buying.

Aroma: A superior jasmine green tea will have a captivating floral aroma. Don't settle for a flat, boring blend! The whole point is that delectable floral aroma.

Color and Clarity: The brewed tea should exhibit a pale greenish-yellow hue, due to the delicate nature of the green tea leaves and the infusion process. If the tea leaves are low-quality you might notice a cloudiness in the brew, usually from leaf particles. This isn't a good sign, as loose leaf tea shouldn't have tiny broken fragments in it.

Smoothness: Pay attention to the texture and mouthfeel of the tea. A quality jasmine green tea provides a smooth and light-bodied experience, with no astringency. Evaluating online descriptions and customer reviews can help assess the smoothness of the tea before you make a purchase.

Unlocking the full potential of your jasmine green tea lies in mastering the art of brewing. Here are some essential tips to ensure you can enjoy the best possible cup of this classic blend:

Water Temperature: Begin with freshly boiled water, allowing it to cool slightly to around 175-185°F (80-85°C). The lower temperature preserves the delicate flavors of the green tea leaves and the floral notes of jasmine. You don't want to overdo it, so play it safe! The lower the temp, the less bitter your brew will be, so adjust accordingly.

Tea-to-Water Ratio: Use approximately one teaspoon of loose leaf tea (or one tea bag, if you go that route) per 8 ounces (240 ml) of water. Adjust the ratio based on your preference for a stronger or milder infusion.

Steeping Time: Steep the tea for about 2 to 3 minutes. This duration allows the flavors of green tea and jasmine to come out without developing excessive bitterness. Adjust steeping time to suit your taste preferences.

Tea Straining: If using loose leaf tea, employ a fine mesh strainer or an infuser to separate the leaves after steeping, preventing over-extraction.

Flavor Enhancements: Jasmine green tea is delightful on its own, but you can experiment with additions like a touch of honey, some lemon, a slice of ginger, or a sprig of mint to elevate the flavor profile. It's completely up to you!

Experiment with Brewing: Tailor your brewing process by adjusting parameters such as water temperature, steeping time, and tea-to-water ratio to craft a cup that perfectly aligns with your taste preferences. Remember, there isn't one right way to brew tea... It all depends on what you're going for.

Multiple Infusions: Some jasmine green tea varieties can handle multiple infusions. Explore how your chosen blend changes through additional steepings. You might like the second or third infusion better than the first one!

Storage: Preserve the freshness and flavor of your tea by storing it in an airtight container away from direct sunlight, moisture, and strong odors.

With the versatility of jasmine green tea's flavor profile, it can be a wonderful companion to various foods. Here are some pairing suggestions to enhance your tea-drinking experience:

Pastries and baked goods can benefit from the tea's floral and delicate notes. I recommend scones, muffins, or shortbread cookies. The slightly sweet and floral elements of the tea also make it an excellent companion for treats with dairy like milk chocolate, creamy desserts, and cheeses.

It doesn't stop there! The tea's compatibility extends to fruits, especially berries, where its slightly tangy taste beautifully contrasts with the natural sweetness of the fruits.

You could also consider pairing jasmine green tea with a range of savory options, including a cheese platter, smoked salmon, and even spicy or rich dishes like curry. I think serving jasmine tea with a charcuterie board sounds just heavenly!

We've talked about the history of Jasmine Green Tea, how to pick out a quality blend, 10 versions that are available to purchase online, brewing tips, pairings, and caffeine and nutritional facts.

I'm a big fan of floral and fresh teas for an invigorating morning drink, and jasmine green tea ticks all the boxes. It's super good on its own, but it's also nice alongside toast or a muffin. Don't take my word for it, just look at the raving reviews for so many versions of this traditional blend.