Much more than just a fragrant beverage, jasmine tea is a true treasure for the body and mind. Its virtues, recognized for centuries in many cultures, make it a valuable ally for our daily well-being, a ritual that connects health and tradition.
Discover jasmine tea, a treasure of well-being
Imagine a drink that both soothes your mind and strengthens your body. This isn't just an infusion, it's an ancient health ritual. Jasmine tea is born from the delicate encounter between tea leaves, most often green tea, and Jasminum sambac flowers, the most prized species for its intense fragrance, handpicked at dusk.
This union creates an astonishing synergy. On the one hand, the tea leaves provide their famous catechins, powerful antioxidants. On the other, the jasmine flowers release their aromatic compounds, such as linalool, known for its calming effects on our nervous system.
The captivating scent of jasmine tea is a true invitation to serenity. Each sip becomes a sensory experience that helps release tension, echoing meditation practices where tea accompanies the search for inner peace.
This drink has spanned centuries and borders, embraced for its refined taste and multiple virtues. A treasure of the imperial court in China, it is now celebrated in tea rooms around the world.
A rich cultural heritage
Jasmine tea is deeply rooted in Asian traditions. In China, its birthplace, it is much more than an everyday beverage; it is a symbol of hospitality and refinement. It is often served with meals.
In Thailand, the jasmine flower itself, called dok mali , symbolizes purity and maternal love. Garlands are woven from it to be offered as a token of respect on Mother's Day. This cultural heritage gives each cup a dimension beyond its simple ingredients. It's not just a drink; it's a story, a tradition to be shared.
Incorporating jasmine tea into your routine means giving yourself a moment of pause and care, inspired by age-old practices.
Where Does Jasmine Tea Come From? A Journey from Origins to World Rituals
The history of jasmine tea is, above all, a journey for the senses. It takes us back to China, over a thousand years ago, during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). It was there that artisans began perfecting the delicate art of flavoring tea leaves with fresh flowers. It was much more than a simple technique; it was a quest for harmony between earth and flower, a practice that required infinite patience and expertise.
Picture the scene: artisans spreading thin layers of green tea leaves, then covering them with jasmine flowers picked at dusk, just when their fragrance is most powerful. This process, repeated several nights in a row, allows the tea to naturally infuse itself with the flower's essential oils. The result? An aromatic complexity that no artificial flavoring can ever match.
Each cup of traditional jasmine tea is the fruit of a legacy. It tells a story of patience, respect for nature, and craftsmanship passed down from generation to generation.
" Jasmine Pearls " celebrate the art of Chinese tea by combining ancestral know-how with sensory finesse. This process involves steeping delicate green tea (which is an excellent scent trap) with jasmine, a symbol of voluptuousness and love. Furthermore, according to traditional Chinese medicine, jasmine is classified as a Yang food and therefore harmonizes perfectly with the Yin side of green tea. Each tea pearl is handcrafted from buds and young leaves. When summer comes, the pearls are placed in successive layers of freshly picked jasmine flowers. This process is repeated for 6 to 7 nights in a row, renewing the flowers each evening.
Jasmin Pearls, Tea Tribes & Co
This tradition, born in China, quickly traveled beyond its borders, becoming deeply integrated into various cultures and taking on unique meanings over time.
Strong symbolic uses
Beyond China, jasmine tea has become a staple of many social and cultural rituals. Each practice reveals a different facet of this iconic beverage.
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In the Chinese province of Fujian , jasmine tea is an honored guest at wedding ceremonies. It symbolizes sweetness, purity, and marital happiness. Offering it to guests is a wish of happiness for the newlyweds.
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In North Africa, particularly in Morocco , although mint tea is king, jasmine tea is sometimes served as a particularly refined gesture of hospitality. It is reserved for special occasions to honor a distinguished guest.
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In Thailand , the jasmine flower embodies maternal love and respect. The infusion is therefore sometimes used during family celebrations to express affection and gratitude to elders.
Today, enjoying jasmine tea means connecting with this rich mosaic of traditions. Each sip offers more than just jasmine tea for the body; it nourishes the spirit, connecting us to a global heritage of sharing and celebration.
How to choose the right jasmine tea
To make every cup a moment of pure bliss, there are a few rules to follow. It all starts, of course, with the choice of tea. Always choose a naturally flavored tea, where the leaves have been placed in contact with real, fresh flowers. Believe us, the difference is striking. (We explain the difference at the bottom of the page)
An authentic tea exudes a complex and delicate fragrance, a world away from artificial aromas that are often too strong and lacking in subtlety. At Tea Tribes & Co, we offer you an exceptional organic Jasmin Pearls tea, hand-rolled jasmine pearls. Resulting from the harmony between a delicate green tea from Fujian (China) then perfumed by contact with jasmine flowers renewed for several nights, in true tradition. Our recipe has no added aromas and is from organic farming.
Once you've unearthed that rare gem, it's time to brew it. It's a true ritual that prepares the body and mind to embrace the plant's virtues. Respecting the temperature and infusion time is crucial to avoid damaging its delicate aromas and precious components.
Think of infusion not as a constraint, but rather as a dance between water and leaves. Water that's too hot will burn delicate flavors, while an infusion that's too long will release bitterness.
Mastering the Art of Infusion
For a perfect experience, here are some guidelines:
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Heat the water to 75°C : Simmering, but never boiling, water is ideal. It allows the leaves to open gently, without forcing them.
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Infuse for 3 to 5 minutes : This is the perfect time to gently release the aromas and active compounds, without developing bitterness.
Please note that this exceptional tea deserves up to 3 re-infusions, allowing you to fully enjoy its delicate flavors.
Finally, when summer arrives, think about the iced version, it's delicious! Infuse it at room temperature then put it in the fridge or hot as usual, then let it cool and add ice cubes.
What is the difference between a scented tea and an aromatic tea?
Ah, the essential question! The distinction is fundamental, because it goes to the very heart of the quality and benefits of the final product. Everything comes down to the manufacturing process.
A naturally scented tea , in the purest tradition, is a tea whose leaves have been put in direct and repeated contact with freshly picked jasmine flowers. It is a slow process, almost a dance, which allows the leaves to naturally infuse themselves with the essential oils and subtle aromas of the flower.
A flavored tea , on the other hand, is a tea to which flavorings have been added after drying is complete. The result is often more direct, less nuanced, and above all, it does not transmit the virtues of the compounds of the flower itself. Choosing a flavored tea is truly opting for authenticity and an infinitely richer sensory experience.
At Tea Tribes , we believe that ancestral rituals and plants from around the world are an inexhaustible source of well-being. It is this conviction that drives us to offer you teas and infusions that, like jasmine tea, combine exquisite taste with authentic virtues. Discover our collections inspired by local traditions at https://teatribesandco.com