"Snowflakes Over Jade Pond," the name of this famous Jasmine Green Tea is as enticing as the tea itself. Brewed in a clear glass the tea leaves sink to the bottom while the jasmine flowers float to the surface just as "Snowflake Drops Over Jade Pond." This exquisite tea is produced using the highest quality early spring tea buds of the Mingshan Baihao #131 cultivar and the best jasmine flowers to create a fresh flavor and lingering aroma over several infusions. The infusion tastes of sweet jasmine with a hint of vanilla.
Ingredients: Artisan green tea with jasmine flowers
Origin: E'mei Shan, Sichuan, China
Tea scented with jasmine flowers has been a specialty in China since the Song Dynasty over 800 years ago. The Jasmine plant itself is believed to have been introduced to the world in China sometime during the Period of Disunity (220-589).
Jasmine tea is produced using a base of green or white tea. The resulting flavor is subtly sweet and floral. The best jasmine teas come from Fujian Province, although the tea is also produced in Anhui, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Guangdong, Guangxi, Shejiang and Sichuan. The quality of Jasmine tea is determined by the quality of tea used as its base and the effectiveness of the scenting. To make scented tea, tea leaves are mixed with flowers until their perfume has been absorbed. The tea is then baked gently in an oven. For high-quality scented teas, the process is often repeated several times to ensure a strong fragrance.
Jasmine tea as an antioxidant has been proved to be effective in weight loss, reducing stress levels and cholesterol, preventing cancer, soothing nerves, fighting against infections, regulating the body’s insulin levels and slowing down the aging process.
Brewing Instructions
Water Temperature: 160-175 degrees
Water Quality: Best with Spring Water
Amount of Leaf (per 6 fl oz water): 1 rounded tsp. (2.5 grams)
Steep Time: 1-3 minutes
Number of Infusions: 3
Jasmine Bi Tan Piao Xue is best prepared in a tall clear glass or glass teapot so that you can appreciate the visual display for which the tea was named. For best results, we recommend that you pre-warm your vessel, and place 2.5 grams of leaf per 6 oz of liquid, before infusing with 160-175 degree water for 1-3 minutes. As with all green teas, Jasmine Bi Tan Piao Xue can be infused at least three times. Increase the time and temperature slightly with each subsequent infusion. Experimenting with your own temperatures and steeping times is encouraged. Cooler temperatures and shorter times yield more mellow, fruity elements, while hotter water and longer times produce more floral and full-bodied complexities. Always use the best-tasting water you can find, and adjust steeping times, quantity of leaves, and water temperature to your personal preferences.
Whole leaf teas of this quality need room to unfurl and expand in the water in order to perform their "magic." At the end of the steeping time, pour all of the tea into a warm serving pitcher or pot.
