JASMINE PARADISE
(China Green Tea)
Country of Origin: China
Region: Fujian Province
Shipping Port: Fuzhou
Grade: Yin Hoa grade 1
Altitude: 1500 - 2500 ft. above sea level
Manufacture Type: Steamed green tea delicately scented with jasmine
Infusion: Pale green liquor
Characteristics: A green tea with surprising body and an intense but captivating floral taste that is not found in any other natural tea.
Ingredients: Premium green tea, Jasmine petals
Information
This Jasmine is an exceptionally well-made tea. The leaves have a very tight and wiry roll with an over abundance of white mottled tips. The ‘tippy’ nature of the tea signifies a superior tea. ‘Tip’ is only possible when the estate practices fine plucking and a 3 or 4 day plucking rotation. The mottled effect is from teas that are plucked in the first 2-4 weeks of the new season when the days are warm but the night temperatures are piercingly cool. Further into the season when the evenings are warm as well, the bush grows 24 hours per day eliminating the possibility of fine plucking. The quality of this exceptional Jasmine evokes adjectives such as complex, subtle and mystery from long-unopened jewelry boxes.
New Jasmine blossoms become available about mid May. The new blossoms have the most intense fragrance. After the blossoms are layered between the fine green teas, slightly warmed air is drawn through the layered tea. The delicate fragrance of the blossoms impart itself on the tea. Interestingly Jasmine blossoms are used about 9 times. It is only during the 2nd use of the Jasmine blossoms that this tea made. Each time the Jasmine is used the flavor becomes less delicate and subtle. The more common grades of Jasmine contain the flowers. You will note that this tea has virtually no flower petals, an additional sign of superb quality.
Hot tea brewing method: When preparing by the cup, this tea can be used repeatedly - about 3 times. The secret is to use water that is about 180’F or 80’C. Place 1 teaspoon in your cup, let the tea steep for about 3 minutes and then begin enjoying a cup of enchantment - do not remove the leaves from the cup. Once the water level is low - add more water, and so on and so on - until the flavor of the tea is exhausted. Look at the pattern of the leaves in the brew, not only do they foretell your fortune but you can see the bud and shoots presenting themselves, looking like they are about to be plucked.
Alternatively as with all top quality teas, scoop 2-4 teaspoons of tea into the teapot, pour in boiling water that has been freshly drawn (previously boiled water has lost most of its oxygen and therefore tends to be flat tasting), steep for 2-4 minutes (to taste), stir (virtually all the leaves will sink), pour into your cup but do not add milk or sugar since green tea is enjoyed ‘straight-up’.