Background of Jasmine Flowers
The jasmine, or Jasminum, plant is a flowering shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. It is part of the Oleaceae family, making it a close cousin of the olive plant. There are around 30 different varieties of jasmine, many of which now grow in our home state of Arizona! Jasmine is well loved for its rich, sweet, and subtle floral aroma. Its signature scent makes it a popular choice for fragrance products, but it is also a well-loved tea ingredient.
Jasmine is most commonly found in green teas, though it can pair well with teas of all kinds. The use of jasmine in tea is a practice that originated in fifth-century China, although it didn’t gain much popularity until the Qing Dynasty. In some southern regions of China, jasmine tea is now the preferred welcoming beverage for guests. The city of Fuzhou honors the beverage as the official local tea choice, the jasmine plant being its municipal flower. Fuzhou also happens to be a key producer of jasmine tea. After gaining popularity in China, the love for jasmine tea soon spread to Taiwan and Japan, and has now become a worldwide sensation.
Benefits of Jasmine in Tea
One of the benefits of drinking jasmine tea is that, like many of our other favorite floral ingredients, it is packed with antioxidants. You can increase the amount of antioxidants in your cup by reaching for a green tea and jasmine blend, as green tea is also known for being rich in these magnificent molecules. Jasmine and green tea blends are also full of catechins and other polyphenols that may support oral health, boost your metabolism, protect your heart, and promote healthy brain functions. As always, if you have questions about how jasmine and green tea can support and affect your health, please discuss them with a medical professional.
Flavor of Jasmine in Tea
Jasmine’s flavor profile is quite similar to its scent. We have found that it produces a delicate floral flavor with a subtly sweet aftertaste. The signature scent helps create a rich aroma, creating an immersive experience for your olfactory system. Below is a list of our favorite jasmine teas that we offer here at Hackberry:
Jasmine Love: This classic whole leaf Chinese green tea is layered with a hint of sweet jasmine. Delicately floral, this tea is perfectly refreshing hot or over ice.
Jasmine Love Pearls*: A real treasure! Our delicious and popular Jasmine Love Green tea rolled into beautiful 'pearls.' Watch them unfurl upon brewing and enjoy 2-3 steeps with each scoop!
Blackberry Jasmine: A delicious twist on a traditional Jasmine Tea. The taste of blackberry brings an element of fun to the sophisticated Jasmine flavor, but without ever being cloying or sweet.
* To learn more about pearl tea, check out our The Costs & Benefits of Pearl Tea article!
