🇨🇳 China · Drinks
Fragrant Jasmine Tea (Mòlì huā chá)
By eatmundo · July 9, 2026
🇨🇳 CNIndulge in the serene elegance of Jasmine Tea, a beloved Chinese classic known for its delicate floral aroma and refreshing taste. This calming brew, often made with green tea infused with jasmine blossoms, offers a soothing escape at any time of day.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Boil water to the correct temperature. For green jasmine tea, bring 250ml of fresh filtered water to about 80°C (175°F). For black jasmine tea, use hotter water, around 90-95°C (195-205°F).
- 2
Pre-warm your teacup or teapot by rinsing it with a splash of hot water, then discarding the water. This helps maintain the tea's temperature during brewing and ensures an optimal infusion.
- 3
Add 2-3 grams (about 1 teaspoon) of high-quality loose-leaf jasmine tea to your warmed teacup or teapot. Adjust the quantity slightly based on your personal preference for strength, remembering that a little goes a long way.
- 4
Pour the heated water over the tea leaves, ensuring they are fully submerged. A crucial tip: avoid pouring boiling water directly onto delicate green jasmine leaves, as this can 'burn' them and result in an unpleasantly bitter taste.
- 5
Allow the tea to steep for 2-3 minutes. Observe the leaves as they unfurl gracefully and the tea liquor transforms into a beautiful pale yellow-green hue, signaling its readiness. For a stronger brew, steep an additional minute, but be mindful not to over-steep.
- 6
Strain the tea leaves, if using a teapot, or carefully sip directly from the cup if using an infuser or loose leaves that settle at the bottom. Take a moment to appreciate the fragrant aroma before your first calming sip.
- 7
For multiple infusions, you can re-steep the same leaves 2-3 times, increasing the steeping time by 30-60 seconds with each subsequent brew. Each infusion will subtly reveal slightly different nuances of the tea's complex profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jasmine Tea?+
Jasmine tea is a scented infusion originating from China, produced by blending tea leaves with fresh jasmine blossoms. It is commonly consumed as a hot beverage, often served during or after meals.
What is the ideal water temperature for brewing jasmine tea?+
For green jasmine tea, aim for 80°C (175°F) to prevent bitterness. For black jasmine tea, a slightly higher temperature of 90-95°C (195-205°F) is suitable for optimal extraction.
How long should I steep jasmine tea?+
Typically, 2-3 minutes is sufficient for a balanced flavor and aroma. Steeping longer than 4 minutes can make the tea bitter, especially for delicate green varieties, so taste as you go.
Can I re-steep jasmine tea leaves?+
Yes, high-quality loose-leaf jasmine tea leaves can often be re-steeped 2-3 times. Simply increase the steeping time by 30-60 seconds for subsequent infusions to extract more flavor.
What type of jasmine tea should I choose for the best experience?+
For the best flavor and aroma, choose loose-leaf varieties, often featuring green tea as the base. Look for 'jasmine pearls' (hand-rolled into small beads) for a beautiful visual experience and a premium, lingering taste.
