How is Jasmine Green Tea Made?
Jasmine green tea, unlike most teas, is made from both green leaves and the jasmine blossoms. These plants, over 200 species in number, are widely cultivated for their beautiful fragrant white, yellow or red flowers.
The jasmine plant was brought to China by Persia in the third century AD. However, it did not become popular there until about 1000 years ago. Yin Hao is considered the finest of all jasmine teas. Other popular blends are Dragon Phoenix Pearl, Xiang Pian, and Mo Li Hua Cha, the latter being one of the most popular scented tea in the world.
Jasmine green tea is made by starting with a Chinese green tea for a base. Some will use pouchong/oolong or black tea but green is more common. The tea leaves are plucked and processed in April and May and then kept dry 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 have proven to have anticancer, antiviral, and antioxidant properties largely because of the significant presence of polyphenols. The tea fights cancer and aging by eliminating free radicals. Jasmine helps diabetics and reduces high blood pressure. This helps to prevent arterial sclerosis, strokes, heart attacks, and thrombosis.
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.
In addition, jasmine tea fights food poisoning, including cholera, dysentery, and piccoli causing gastric ulcers. Gargling with jasmine green tea is believed to be one of the most effective ways to protect oneself from influenza, as the tea performs anti-viral functions.
Jasmine is also known as an effective anti-depressant, helping with problems such as post-natal depression and menopause problems. It has also been used to help in childbirth and milk production. Jasmine tea can help relieve chronic back pain, muscle and joint pain, and is even considered a romantic enhancer. One wonders if the woman in Proverbs 7 decked her bed with jasmine flowers.
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.
To prepare a cup of tea, simply steep about one half teaspoon of tea in water from 170F to 190F for two minutes. You can repeat the steeping up to two times. You should consume at least four cups a day. This tea is served with strongly flavored foods or served alone. It is good with curries, chicken and fish, and vegetarian dishes. A good quality jasmine green tea will work beautifully with fruit and flower salads, or desserts made with flowers, or soft cheeses with pressed flowers.
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