🇨🇳 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 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.
