Jasmine green tea is different from most teas in that it is both a leaf and the blossom of the flower. Jasmine is cultivated widely for its beautiful flowers. Over 200 species are known, each with fragrant white, yellow, or red flowers.
Though brought to China from Persia sometime in the third century AD, the jasmine plant never became popular in China until about 1000 AD. Popular versions of jasmine are Xiang Pian, Dragon Phoenix Pearl, and Mo Li Hua Cha. This last one is possibly the most popular scented tea in the world. Yin Hao is considered the finest jasmine tea.
Making jasmine green tea is a long process. It starts with a Chinese green tea for a base, preferably oolong or pouching. Some even prefer a black tea base. In April and May the leaves are picked, processed, and kept dry for four months until the jasmine flowers bloom in August and September.
The jasmine flowers are gathered when they are fully open. This means harvesting them at midnight or early in the morning. The flowers are then placed with the tea so that the scent of the flower can be absorbed. After four hours, the flowers are removed. During a month, this process is repeated before the tea is ready for sale. Low grade tea has been scented two or three times during this month. High grade tea has been scented seven times.
Most green teas with jasmine contain a significant amount of polyphenols, plant-based substances that have proven to have anticancer, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. This helps prevent certain cancers and slows aging by eliminating free radicals. Jasmine is good for diabetes prevention and reducing high blood pressure. It is believed to prevent strokes, heart attacks, thrombosis, and arterial sclerosis.
One of the jasmine tea health benefits is to improve intestine conditions by blocking the development and growth of bad bacteria and by strengthening good bacteria. It also helps to reduce the risk of blood clots, to prevent allergy and flu, to reduce blood sugar, to keep fluid balance, to boost the immune system, and to provide oral health and fluoride that helps prevent dental cavities.
Jasmine tea also fights food poisoning, including dysentery, cholera, and piccoli that causes gastric ulcers. Gargling with jasmine green tea is one of the best ways to protect oneself from influenza since the tea contains anti-viral substances.
Today, jasmine is known in alternative health care as an effective anti-depressant, including post-natal depression, and menopause problems. Along with raspberry leaf tea, it has been used to help childbirth and milk production. It can help relieve muscle and joint pain, including chronic back pain and is considered a romantic enhancer.
Recent studies show that jasmine tea can be used to lose weight. The presence of jasmine in the tea caused the ones drinking it to lose more weight than those simply drinking oolong tea. Some believe the presence of catechins in the jasmine cause the body to burn calories faster and decrease body fat.
The tea is easy to make. Just add a half teaspoon of the jasmine mix to a cup of nearly boiling water and allow it to steep two or three times for two minutes. Then drink at least four cups of this a day. A good quality jasmine green tea will work well with fruit and flower salads, or with desserts made with flowers, or soft cheeses with pressed flowers. Jasmine green tea is also served with strongly flavored foods, curries, chicken and fish, and vegetarian dishes, or served alone.
