According to Mary Lou and Robert J. Heiss in their book descriptively titled as The Tea Enthusiast’s Handbook: A Guide To The World’s Best Teas, there are currently more than 20,000 different kinds of tea all over the globe. However, the majority of the people who consume tea on a daily basis simply settles for more or less the same two or three types of teas and won’t even think about trying out something new. Hence, if you are part of those who enjoy trying out unfamiliar kinds of teas, this article is right up your alley as we will be introducing a type of tea called Jasmine Pearl Tea.
What is Jasmine Pearl Tea?
Commonly known as Jasmine Dragon Pearls, Jasmine Pearl tea is a unique type of tea that is made from green tea leaves which are scented and infused with the fresh aroma of jasmine blossoms. Authentic Jasmine Pearl tea comes from the mountains of Northern Fujian in China, which is the home of a tea bush cultivar called da bai or big white. This cultivar produces soft and fluffy buds that are hand-picked in early spring to make the green tea base. The buds are then rolled into its signature “pearl” shape and are then stored until July which is the time when jasmine flowers finally bloom.
If you are wondering where the “Dragon” in its name comes from, Ancient Chinese mythology says that an actual dragon gave us this tea where it fell down from a pear growing out of the dragon’s chest. However, even if that story is legitimate or not, you can’t simply help but marvel as you watch the dragon pearls unfurl themselves while releasing a burst of fresh jasmine aroma that seems to embrace your nose as you steep them.
What does Jasmine Pearl Tea taste like?
Basically, the taste of this tea can be described as mild and mellow, which makes it pretty enjoyable for anyone who wants to try it. However, if you want a stronger flavor, you may want to steep it for up to 5 minutes. It also has a sweet taste to the point that it can almost be considered as quite sugary, which is one of the reasons why even children or even people who don’t really enjoy tea can still bear to drink it and even have fun while doing so.
Since it is infused with the aroma of jasmine flower blossoms, you should expect a strong flowery scent that other people describe as closely resembling that of perfumes, which could potentially turn you off if you hate those kinds of scent.
What color does Jasmine Pearl Tea have?
Since Jasmine Pearl tea has a green tea base, it adapts the signature color of green tea leaves which can range from green to yellowish or light brown color depending on how you brew the said leaves. However, if you only brew it for the recommended time of 1 – 2 minutes at around 176 degrees Fahrenheit or 80 degrees Celsius, Jasmine Pearl Tea should have a pale yellow mint color.