Although there are thousands of tea blends available, one that is definitely worth trying is called Jasmine tea. While considered one of the top choices throughout China, we now see other countries all over the world discovering the delicious and slightly sweet flavor of this tea blend.
The Making of Jasmine Tea
To make Jasmine tea, high quality loose leaf tea is used along with petals from the Jasmine plant. Because of the two, the tea ends up with a delicate, floral fragrance and flavor, making it different from other types of tea on the market.
Tea Production in China
It is estimated that Jasmine tea was first produced in China some 700 years ago, which involved blossoms from the Jasmine plant being plucked just prior to blooms appearing. From there, tea leaves were added at nighttime, which created the most amazing infusion of both flavor and aroma. Typically, the tea is scented with the blossoms twice, using fresh blossoms each time to create the finest quality.
Although Jasmine flower tea can be made from any base tea, it is usually blended with Chinese green tea, making it both delicious and healthy. Studies have been conducted for years showing that loose green tea is much healthier than Chinese black tea due to processing. For instance, loose green tea is not fermented whereas black tea is. This process converts antioxidants in the leaves to other compounds and while loose black tea is healthy, the fermentation process lowers the level of antioxidants.
Healthy Antioxidants
Antioxidants are vital to good health in that they neutralize free radicals, which are molecules that carry oxygen and cause all types of damage to the body. When free radicals are not controlled, they move through the body, wrecking havoc on DNA and the cellular system. Because of this, the aging process is sped up and serious disease can develop.
This is why keeping free radicals in check is vital to good health. Therefore, using green tea as the base for making Jasmine tea is the best choice since this type of tea has a very high level of antioxidants. Then, eating fresh fruits and vegetables would add even more antioxidants to the body, promoting ultimate health.
Many studies have been done in recent years and the findings specific to green tea are amazing. This one type of tea can not only prevent colon, breast, pancreatic, lung, and other types of cancer but also help fight it. Other benefits of this healthy tea include promoting weight loss and lowering body fat.
The primary benefits associated with green tea include the prevention of high cholesterol, blood clots, high blood pressure, heart disease, and again, cancer. Studies also show that drinking green tea daily can help insulin in the body become regulated, great for individuals with Diabetes.
Types of Jasmine Tea
One of the best ways to enjoy delicious green tea is by drinking Jasmine tea that uses green tea as the base. In addition to an amazing flavor, the aroma of Jasmine tea is also soothing. Then when you consider all the health benefits, you can see that Jasmine tea is a perfect choice.
Now, if you are not fond of green tea, remember that Jasmine tea is made with other tea varieties, especially oolong. For instance, oolong tea is also processed different from the way black tea is processed in that it is only partially fermented whereas black tea is fully fermented. For oolong, the fermentation is carefully done to the point where 30% of the leaves are red and 70% green.
Being able to stop the process of fermentation at the exact time is what gives oolong tea its unique but wonderful flavor. Interestingly, most oolong teas use charcoal during the drying phase, which creates a slightly smoky flavor. Therefore, if you choose Jasmine tea made with oolong tea, you have a unique blend of smoky with sweet.
Of course, white tea can also be used to make Jasmine tea and while white tea is growing in popularity, it is still difficult to find. This type of tea has a delicate flavor with a hint of sweetness. Because of this, white tea is loved by everyone who tries it. If you choose oolong Jasmine tea, you will find this to be very light while still providing excellent health benefits.
Even high quality black tea can be used to make Jasmine tea but with black tea being full-bodied, the flavor would be bolder. Keep in mind that with the blend of the Jasmine petals and black tea, while bolder, the tea still has a soothing, floral fragrance, and flavor.
With so many possibilities, Jasmine tea has quickly become a favorite. This blend is very easy to make and easy to find. Since Jasmine tea is quite common, it is important to purchase only from reputable tea companies, those that sell only the finest quality tea available.
Tips for Buying Jasmine Tea
When looking for the best quality when you buy tea online, make sure the petals from the Jasmine plant are real and that whatever base tea is used is high quality, as well. Another tip for buying Jasmine tea is purchase only teas that use tightly rolled green tea pearls blended with the petals, sometimes referred to as Jasmine pearl tea.
Keep in mind that as you shop for Jasmine tea, you will also find many tea companies use other flavors to create something new. However, the focus in choosing Jasmine tea is for the petals to make up the fragrance and the tealeaves to make up the flavor. Therefore, if other flavors are added, it is important that the blend be done properly not to overshadow the fragrance and flavor.
It is common to find many tea companies selling Jasmine tea that has been blended with flavorings such as orange, vanilla, and rose. All of these are light and soothing but again, the additional flavor should be subtle so it does not overpower the petal fragrance and tea flavor.
Regardless of the type of Jasmine tea you decide to try, chances are you will love everything about it. In fact, you might look for samples made with oolong, black, white, and green tea so you can taste each and find the one you like best.
