Both jasmine tea and green tea are beloved in China and around the world. But are they the same thing? Let’s explore their origins, flavors, and how to choose.
What is green tea?
Loose leaf green tea is one of the six major types of Chinese tea. Its main difference from oolong or black tea is that it’s non-fermented.
The production steps include Shaqing (kill-green), rolling, and drying—methods that preserve the leaf’s natural green color. That’s why green tea is often described as “clear soup and green leaves.”
China produces over a hundred varieties. Famous ones include Longjing (Dragon Well), Biluochun, Huangshan Maofeng, and Liuan Guapian.
What is jasmine tea?
Loose leaf jasmine tea is not one of the six tea categories. Instead, it’s a scented tea made by blending tea leaves with fresh jasmine blossoms.
The flowers infuse their fragrance into the tea, producing a lively and long-lasting aroma—earning jasmine tea the nickname “the first fragrance on earth.”
Base teas vary: green, black, oolong, or white tea may be used, though green tea is the most common.
Is jasmine tea considered green tea?
Often yes. In most cases, the jasmine tea you buy is jasmine green tea—jasmine-scented green tea. Examples include Jasmine Longjing, Jasmine Biluochun, and Jasmine Needle King.
Comparison: Jasmine Tea vs Green Tea
| Feature | Green Tea | Jasmine Tea |
|---|---|---|
| Category | One of the six major tea types | A scented tea, usually based on green tea but can use others |
| Processing | Non-fermented; kill-green, rolling, drying | Scented by layering with fresh jasmine blossoms |
| Aroma | Clean, grassy, vegetal | Floral, jasmine-dominant |
| Taste | Fresh, light, slightly bitter | Smooth, floral, sweet aftertaste |
| Caffeine | Moderate | Similar to green tea unless using other bases |
| Regions | Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui | Mainly Fujian (Fuzhou) & Guangxi (Hengxian) |
| Famous Types | Longjing, Biluochun, Huangshan Maofeng | Jasmine Longjing, Jasmine Biluochun, Jasmine Tieguanyin |
| Best For | Pure tea taste & refreshing mouthfeel | Fragrant tea lovers |
| Starter Tip | Green Tea Sampler | Jasmine Sampler |
Recommendations
Jasmine Tea
For beginners, try 3-scent Jasmine Green. Or explore different scenting levels (3, 5, 7 sessions) with our Jasmine Sampler.
Green Tea
Start with classics like Longjing or Biluochun. Or get a curated Green Tea Discovery Set to try multiple types.
