Jasmijn Thee
Jasmine Tea is scented tea, most often a green tea base layered with the aroma of jasmine blossoms. The tea leaves are placed with fresh jasmine flowers so they take on the flower's fragrance, a process repeated over several nights for a fuller scent. The result is a smooth cup with a soft, floral aroma and a light sweetness.
Because the base is usually green tea from Camellia sinensis, jasmine tea contains caffeine. Some jasmine teas are rolled into small pearls that unfurl as they steep, while others are sold as loose leaf. The style of the base leaf and the amount of scenting shape the final balance between the tea and the jasmine.
Brewing jasmine tea
Use water below boiling, around eighty degrees Celsius, and steep for two to three minutes. Boiling water can make a green-based jasmine tea taste sharp. Jasmine pearls can be steeped more than once, giving a slightly different cup with each infusion. Store sealed and away from strong-smelling foods, since scented tea readily picks up other aromas.
Frequently asked questions
Does jasmine tea contain caffeine?
Most jasmine tea uses a green tea base from the tea plant, so it contains caffeine.
How is jasmine tea made?
Tea leaves are layered with fresh jasmine blossoms so they absorb the flower's aroma, often over several nights for a fuller scent.
What water temperature suits jasmine tea?
Use water below boiling, around eighty degrees Celsius, and steep for two to three minutes to avoid a sharp taste.
Can I re-steep jasmine pearls?
Yes. Rolled jasmine pearls can be steeped more than once, with each infusion giving a slightly different cup.
