Jasmine Tea Basics

IntroductionNot all jasmine teas are the same. In fact, this category includes a wide variety of teas, each shaped by different base teas, regions, and processing methods. Knowing the differences can help you select the style that best suits your taste. By Base Tea Jasmine Green Tea: The most common type, made with baked green tea leaves, offering a bright and refreshing taste with lingering floral aroma. Jasmine White Tea: A rarer category using teas like Silver Needle. Sweet, mellow, and elegant. Jasmine Black Tea: Combines bold black tea with floral notes, producing a rich and sweet infusion. Jasmine Oolong: Marries the complexity of oolong with jasmine fragrance, giving layered flavor and smooth mouthfeel. By Region Fujian Jasmine Tea: Traditional, high-quality teas with refined sweetness, such as Jasmine Silver Needle and Jasmine Dragon Pearls. Guangxi Jasmine Tea: High-yield and widely consumed, known for stronger, more expressive aromas. Sichuan Jasmine Tea (Bitan Piaoxue): Distinctive for its elegant appearance and refreshing taste. Yunnan Jasmine Tea: Made with large-leaf teas, creating stronger and more durable brews. By Shape and Craft Jasmine Pearls: Hand-rolled into small pearls that unfurl beautifully in hot water. Jasmine Needles: Needle-like shapes, elegant and refined. Blooming Jasmine Teas: Artistic styles that open like flowers when brewed. Loose Leaf Jasmine Teas: Affordable and widely available for everyday drinking. ConclusionFrom pearls to needles, green to black bases, jasmine tea is far more diverse than most people realize. Exploring these types allows you to find a version that perfectly matches your preferences, whether you want refreshing lightness or rich depth. Ready to explore these varieties? Browse our curated jasmine tea collection and find the perfect style for your tea moments.

Why is Chinese jasmine tea so richly fragrant and refreshing? Why do they say the aroma of top-grade jasmine tea isn’t added—it’s something that grows from deep within the leaf itself? And why can no other country’s floral tea compare? Today, let’s uncover the secrets behind its magic through ancient Buddhist texts, modern scientific studies, and royal court archives. A Sacred Flower in Buddhist Lore: A Sacred Beginning 1. Offerings in Buddhism Jasmine (known in Sanskrit as Mallikā) has been regarded as a sacred flower since the early days of Buddhism. Ancient texts such as the Mahāprajñāpāramitopadeśa mention jasmine and Inula Flower as offerings to the Buddha due to their pure and intense fragrance. According to legend, the Shakyamuni once preached in a jasmine garden in Magadha, where the scent of the flowers became intertwined with the teachings of enlightenment. Since then, jasmine has been known as the "Fragrance of Enlightenment." During the Western Han Dynasty, as Buddhism spread to China via the Silk Road, jasmine arrived in Fuzhou. At first, it wasn’t used for tea but served as a floral offering in Buddhist temples. Monks would place fresh flowers and tea leaves together before the Buddha, and accidentally discovered that tea could absorb the floral fragrance. This is the earliest prototype of Chinese jasmine tea.   2. Zen Tea: A Harmonious Tradition Backed by Science In ancient Chinese poetry, jasmine was linked to purity and calm. But now, science backs it up: A 2022 study by Zhejiang University found that benzyl benzoate—a compound in jasmine tea—can enhance the activity of GABA receptors by 2.1 times, promoting relaxation. (Food Chemistry, Vol. 381) A 2021 study from Kyoto University showed jasmine aroma reduced anxiety levels by 18.7%, similar to the effects of 10 minutes of mindfulness meditation. (Journal of Ethnopharmacology) This resonates with the Zen tea practices of Mount Emei, where monks have used jasmine-scented tea since the Ming Dynasty to “cleanse the mind and inspire meditation,” as recorded in the Eshan Gazetteer.   The Epic Evolution of Jasmine  Tea Scenting 1. Southern Song Dynasty: Fragrance and Medicine from the Same Source (1131–1279) The earliest known record of jasmine scenting in China appears in Zhao Xigu’s Diao Xie Lei Bian (c. 1240) from the Southern Song Dynasty. It states: "Use three parts of half-bloomed jasmine flowers and one part of premium tea. For every jin (500g) of tea, mix in twelve liang (approximately 450g) of flowers. Layer them alternately in a sealed tin jar and keep it closed for five days." Residue of jasmine compounds found inside a Southern Song tin tea jar unearthed in Fujian confirms that this technique was already well developed at the time. In fact, it closely resembles the jasmine scenting methods still used today. Back then, jasmine tea was a niche beverage favored by scholars and literati for its health benefits. They referred to it as fragrant tea, believing it could "soothe the liver and ease depression"—an idea that resonated with both Buddhist offering rituals and the traditional Chinese medicine concept that fragrance and medicine share the same origin.   2. Ming and Qing Dynasties: Imperial Aesthetics (1368–1911) During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the craft of jasmine tea scenting became increasingly refined. In his 1886 work Records of Fujian’s Unique Products, Qing Dynasty author Guo Bocang wrote: “Jasmine must be picked at 3–5 a.m. with dew still on the petals, then gently dried on bamboo trays.” Archived tea records from the Guangxu period show that jasmine tea offered to the imperial court—specifically the “Double-Scented Jasmine”—had to be hand-sorted by skilled female workers to ensure every flower remained intact. According to Imperial Tribute Lists preserved in China’s First Historical Archives, the “Jasmine Sparrow Tongue” tea sent from Fujian in 1896 (the 22nd year of Guangxu's reign) was praised as having “a fresh and elegant aura, distinct from ordinary teas,” and became a seasonal favorite in the late Qing court. It was during this time that traditional techniques such as layering jasmine flowers in bamboo trays and stirring the tea with bare feet were developed. Empress Dowager Cixi was especially fond of jasmine tea that had undergone two rounds of scenting—known as “shuang xun”—for its exceptionally vivid and lingering fragrance.   3. Modern Times (1949–Today): Scientific Precision In the modern era, artisans refined the process further with techniques like “The flowers are only removed after seven rounds of scenting”, where each round uses fresh jasmine flowers, and the final infusion skips drying to preserve the natural vibrancy of the aroma. Scientific analysis shows that repeated scenting breaks down tea proteins into more amino acids, resulting in a smoother texture and a subtle rock sugar sweetness. Today, jasmine tea production is more precise than ever: Moisture in the tea base is kept between 4.5 - 5%; Re-firing temperatures are strictly controlled between 80 – 100°C; Scenting rooms follow specific humidity and temperature standards; Traditional manual flipping in bamboo trays is gradually being replaced by intelligent machines. Yet, even with modern technology, true jasmine tea still relies on meticulous care for every flower and every leaf. The Flavor Geography: Jasmine’s Genetic Lock at 26°N Many people wonder—can other countries make jasmine tea as good as China’s? The answer: It’s extremely difficult. Exclusive jasmine variety: China’s single-petal jasmine has a delicate, crystal-clear fragrance that other regions can’t replicate. Unique climate and soil: Especially in areas like the Min River Basin, conditions are ideal for cultivating both tea and jasmine. Complex scenting process: A top-tier jasmine tea goes through 81 steps. It’s a slow, labor-intensive craft and can’t be rushed. While countries like India and Vietnam also produce jasmine tea, they usually just mix flowers and tea or use artificial flavoring. The result is a flatter, more superficial taste that lacks the complexity and lasting charm of Chinese jasmine tea. Japan also makes floral teas, but mostly by scenting green tea in a way that’s more about aroma layering than the deep tea-flower fusion found in China. True Chinese jasmine tea is rich, layered, and soulful. It takes time, precision, and passion. The number of scenting rounds is a key factor in determining the intensity of jasmine tea’s aroma. But does more scenting always mean a stronger fragrance and better taste? This product holds the answer. It features jasmine teas scented 3, 5, 7, and 9 times—crafted using traditional methods that showcase the uniquely Chinese art of floral infusion. Jasmine Green Tea Collection– 3 to 9 Infusions 100g A Floral Renaissance in Modern Times When people think of jasmine tea, they usually picture the classic version with green tea. But today, innovative artisans are reimagining scented teas with bold combinations and creative flair.   1. New Tea Bases Traditionally, jasmine tea used green tea as its base. But now, we’re seeing a broader range of tea types being paired with flowers: Oolong + Flowers High-aroma oolongs like Tie Guan Yin or Phoenix Dancong are paired with jasmine or gardenia to create “Jasmine Oolong,” offering deeper layers of fragrance. Jasmine Oolong Tea 100g White Tea + Flowers Delicate teas like Silver Needle or Shou Mei are scented with jasmine or honeysuckle. The result? A soft, sweet profile with floral complexity. Best Jasmine Green Tea Baihao Grade 9-Infusion 100g Dark Tea + Flowers Teas like Pu-erh or Liu Bao are paired with jasmine, rose, or chrysanthemum to create “Floral Dark Tea.” Thanks to dark tea’s strong absorption capacity, these teas lock in fragrance while offering health benefits. Jasmine Liu Bao Dark Tea 100g   2. New Flower Pairings Besides having a richer variety of tea bases, the flower combinations are also becoming bolder and more interesting. Osmanthus + Black/Oolong Tea Using traditional scenting methods, osmanthus pairs beautifully with black teas (like Lapsang Souchong) or oolongs (like Tie Guan Yin). The result: a rich and cozy “Autumn Osmanthus” flavor. Take a sip of “Osmanthus Red Tea” or “Osmanthus Oolong,” and you’ll taste rich, sweet aromas that are full of autumn vibes. Osmanthus Oolong tea 100g Rose + Pu-erh/White Tea/Red Tea Rose petals balance the earthy notes of Pu-erh, the sweetness of white tea or mellow taste of black tea, resulting in gentle yet complex teas like “Rose Pu-erh”, “Rose White Peony” or "Rose Black Tea". Rose Black Tea 3-Scent 100g Chrysanthemum + Green/Dark Tea Hangzhou white chrysanthemum combined with Longjing green tea or Anhua dark tea offers a refreshing brew perfect for summer detox and cooling.  

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 Explore the Chinese New Year Sale Now >> Recommendations Jasmine Tea For beginners, try 3-scent Jasmine Green for a smooth, fragrant introduction. Or explore different scenting levels (3, 5, or 7 sessions) with our Jasmine Sampler for a diverse tea-tasting experience. 6 Jasmine Tea Sampler – Perfect for Tea Enthusiasts If you’re looking to explore even more exciting jasmine tea varieties, we’re thrilled to introduce our new Jasmine Tea Collection, which features a beautiful selection of freshly scented jasmine teas: Jasmine Red Tea, Jasmine Mao Feng, Jasmine Dragon Pearls, Jasmine Liu Bao Black Tea, Jasmine Silver Needle, and Jasmine Oolong Each tea is carefully scented with jasmine blossoms, offering an exquisite balance of flavors and floral notes. Eco-friendly PLA biodegradable tea bags and gift-box packaging make this set ideal for both personal enjoyment and gifting. 24 tea bags included, each can be re-steeped 2-3 times to enjoy the lingering jasmine fragrance. 2025 Spring harvest with sealed freshness, independent packaging, and 100% natural, non-GMO ingredients. Chinese Floral Tea Collection — Ten Tea, Ten Blessings, One Gift of Fragrance Why it’s great:The 10 Flowers Scented Teas box is a fragrant journey through China’s centuries-old tea culture. Each tea is paired with a flower that symbolizes a blessing — jasmine for grace, osmanthus for warmth, rose for love — turning every cup into a small ritual of calm and beauty. The set comes with a beautifully printed culture guide that explains the history and meaning behind each tea, making it an ideal introduction for anyone curious about Chinese flower teas. Thoughtful and elegant, it’s a perfect gift for those who find comfort in slow rituals and aromatic details. Link to this collection What's inside: ①Jasmine Pearl Tea*2 bags*5g②Jasmine Liu Bao Tea*2 bags*5g③Rose Black Tea*2 bags*5g④Osmanthus Oolong *2 bags*5g⑤Pomelo Blossom Oolong Tea*2 bags*5g⑥Gardenia Black Tea*2 bags*5g⑦Daidai Flowers Green Tea*2 bags*5g⑧Sticky Rice Aroma Black Tea*2 bags*5g⑨Pearl Orchid Green Tea*2 bags*5g⑩Osmanthus Black Tea*2 bags*5g⑪10 Tea Info Cards⑫1 Flower Tea Booklet   Learn More>> Green Tea Start with classics like Longjing or Biluochun. Or get a curated Green Tea Discovery Set to try multiple types.  Shop Jasmine Sampler Shop Green Tea Sampler iTeaworld — Premium Chinese Loose Leaf Tea Celebration: Sip Authentic China, Save Big this Black Friday! 25% Off All Teas(（oolong tea，jasmine tea, black tea, dark tea, aged tea, white tea, herbal tea), 50% Off Green Teas + Exclusive Free Gifts!  Earn reward points on every purchase. Redeem for discounts on future purchases. Lear More>> © iTeaworld — Tea guides for curious drinkers.