Exploring the Rich Heritage of Jasmine Tea from Origins to Health Benefits

With a history that dates back centuries, the origins of jasmine tea are from  Fuzhou in the Fujian province of China. 

Long considered one of the finest fragrances in the world thanks to the harmonious blend of jasmine flowers united with green tea, modern-day production. 

This blissful tea has seen a variety of types that are perfect for starting your day, an afternoon pick-me-up, or unwinding in the evening.

The jasmine flower tea from Fuzhou began during the Han Dynasty. Innovations in traditional Chinese medicine assisted with the furthering of its development, though it wasn’t until the Song Dynasty that Chinese medical schools began recognizing it for more than its delightful fragrance – this tea has health benefits too, and it launched a demand for scented teas.

Jasmine green tea gained its notable florals from jasmine flowers that came from the ancient Roman Empire. In the time of the Han Dynasty, the Silk Road route brought jasmine flowers, and a cherished tea was born. Over the generations, it would be the Song Dynasty that catapulted jasmine green tea into its famed notoriety. Branded as a blend of tea and medicine, it was once just a luxury for officials. By the end of the Ming Dynasty, it was enjoyed by everyone and often was given as a stately gift.

Jasmine green tea is the most common type, though there are other varieties that include jasmine white tea, jasmine black tea, and jasmine oolong. They also vary based on the leaves used to make these teas and their shapes.

Some jasmine green teas are made with different grades of green tea, with the best made from a large ratio of tea buds relative to tea leaves. They will provides the most sophisticated and delicate flavors. You may also see the jasmine pearl type of tea and spherical shapes that hold a jasmine flower in the center.

Support for a Healthy Heart

With all those polyphenols, jasmine green tea is also prized for heart health. 

The polyphenols in this tea have been shown to keep bad cholesterol, known as LDL, from oxidizing. 

This process raises your risk for heart disease, so adding a cup of this flower tea each day may be helpful.

Addressing Type 2 Diabetes

Millions of people worldwide—around  422 million—have type 2 diabetes. Research has shown that EGCG may help your body utilize insulin more effectively, reducing your blood sugar levels. Perhaps most promising of all, when 12 studies that together involved over 760,000 people were analyzed, researchers found that drinking 3 cups of jasmine tea per day reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by 16%.

Jasmine green tea is truly a healthy beverage, and one that has such a great taste, you won’t mind drinking more of it. Other benefits for your health include support for oral health, weight loss, boosted brain function, and a potentially lower cancer risk.

Brewing

High-quality jasmine tea should be made with a glass cup or gaiwan (a traditional lidded bowl) that displays the beauty of these tea leaves. Bring the water temperature to 194°F (90°C), then steep the tea leaves for 3 to 5 minutes.

Savoring Aromas

Once the jasmine green tea has been brewed, let it sit for a few moments. You can then bring it close to your nose. Breathe in to enjoy these fragrant aromas and you will be fully immersed in the scent.

Taste the Tea

One can only enjoy the aroma so long before sipping it is irresistible. Let your cup of jasmine tea cool down slightly to prevent burning your tongue. The best way to drink it is by taking small sips, keeping the tea in your mouth for just a moment while you allow it to flow over your taste buds before you swallow it. You will be amazed at the way the floral notes open up across your tongue.

Preserving your jasmine tea is important to keep its immaculate flavors intact. 

The best option is storing it within an airtight container. This container should be made from glass, tin, or ceramic, ideally one that is not clear as to keep it from being exposed to any light.

Make sure the lid of your jasmine tea jar can be completely sealed to keep moisture and air out. Never use plastic as it can bleed chemicals into the tea. 

Once it is sealed, make sure you keep it in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry that is located away from heat sources like your stove or oven, or even windows as that will be a detriment to its quality.