Combining high-grade Zhenghe Spring green tea that has been scented traditionally with Guangxi jasmine flowers has resulted in a perfect jasmine fragrance and a long sweet finish. This scented green tea is creamy, luscious and refreshing.
With each tea season comes new learning and we could not be more pleased with the quality and taste of our Jasmine Dragon Pearls. We have learnt that different regions green tea scents differently with jasmine flowers. That the time the jasmine flowers are picked and used for scenting is really critical to creating a well-balanced tea and it is hugely dependant on the seasons that both of these products have had during the year.
Origin: Fozi mountain, Zhenghe, Fujian (green tea) & Guangxi, China
Flavour profile: Sweet | Cream | Floral
Processing highlights: The scenting process requires meticulous care to preserve the flower and ensure the fragrance is transferred to the pearls.
It is critical that the ratio of tea to flowers is optimal to produce a high grade of scented teas. The delicate layering and scenting process has occurred 3 times. The tea and flowers are raked approximately every 1.5 hours and the removal of yellowed Jasmine flowers that have lost their scent is performed.
Care must also be taken in handling and preparing the jasmine flowers. The flowers are placed in a temperature-controlled environment where the green bud and stem are removed and the flower buds sorted according to size.
Harvest: Spring 2022 (Zhenghe green tea) & August 2022 (jasmine)
Cultivar: Tu Cha
The green tea is produced in Zhenghe. A region most famous for its white tea production. This has resulted in good quality green tea being available at good market prices.
The jasmine flowers are produced in Guangxi Hengxian ‘the home of jasmine’. The region produces 80% of China’s jasmine and 60% of the world market’s jasmine supply. The Jasmine flowers season goes from May to October with the most production occurring in May to August. This tea is the first we have experienced using later season flowers and the result has been impressive.
Elevation: 800m
Jasmine Dragon Pearls produce a rounded infusion that has a lasting sweet jasmine and honey finish. The liquor has a creamy mouthfeel that is velvety feeling on the palate.
Our Jasmine Dragon pearls pair perfectly with Asian dishes such as dim sum and will also work well with spiced and salty dishes. This tea provides a great pairing with plain sweets that are not too rich.
This will pair well with vegetarian pot sticker dumplings or with a lemon-lime tea cake.
Leaf appearance: Small tightly wound silvery pearls
Aroma: Elegant floral aroma of jasmine with subtle sweet honey notes
Liquor colour: Clear green-yellow colour
