The Art Of Preparing Jasmine Green Tea

by Ranjeeta Mundhra Senior Export Executive

Jasmine green tea is a famous tea blend from the lands of Japan. It’s distinct aroma and smooth flavor make it a delectable drink to calm and refresh the mind, and rejuvenate the spirit. But brewing jasmine tea needs a little care, since it can become bitter easily and therefore spoil the taste. The following article helps.

Jasmine green tea is essentially green tea leaves infused with jasmine blossoms. The addition of jasmine imparts a smooth and sweet taste to the otherwise plain green tea. Jasmine green tea is one of the most famous Japanese scented tea. Brewing jasmine tea, as with any other kind of scented tea, requires being a little careful with the temperature of the water and time the leaves are steeped in for. This is because it may easily become bitter if it’s steeped in very hot water, or for too long.

For brewing jasmine green tea, a temperature of 80 degrees is always best. Also, the leaves shouldn't be steeped for longer than 2 minutes. Now, there are two ways to attain a temperature of 80 degrees for steeping the tea.

One is that you can simply boil water and then allow it to cool for about two minutes. [Tip: Use a thermometer to measure the temperature to make sure you have the best temperature.

Alternatively, you can invest in a an electric kettle that allows for setting up the temperature. This will help you get the desired water temperature, without you having to monitor the temperature manually. Buying an electric kettle can be a good decision if you’re a frequent specialty tea drinker.

Back in Japan, from where jasmine green tea originates, this scented tea is prepared in lidded cups referred to as “gaiwan”. Although in most other places this tea is brewed in tea pots or even lidded glasses. While any kind of vessel will work just fine, it’s important that the vessel be made of porcelain or glass.

Brewing process

Pre-heat the brewing vessel by pouring in a little boiled water (which is at 80 degrees). Tilt the cup so that the water wets the entire base of the cup followed by pouring in half a cup of water.

Next, place in a little less than one teaspoon of jasmine green tea> The rule is - use one teaspoon of green tea leaves per 4 oz of water. However, depending on whether you prefer a strong or a light brew, add or reduce the quantity of tea leaves accordingly.

Now fill up the cup with more hot water (which is at 80 degrees), till the cup is about 80-90% full. Cover with a lid and allow it to steep for no longer than 1-2 minutes. There, you’re jasmine tea is ready to drink.

If you buy the best quality jasmine green tea, you can get about 3-4 preparations from one serving of the tea leaves. In other words, good quality tea will allow for at least 2 re-steeps.

How do you prepare green tea? Share your tips with us in the comments below. And, for the best quality green tea online shopping India, visit us at Teameteas.com