Chacodex

Jasmine Pearl

Hand-rolled green tea pearls scented with fresh jasmine blossoms over multiple nights.

Type
Green Tea
Origin
China · Fujian
Oxidation
none
Caffeine
medium
Brew temp
80°C
Brew time
2–3 min
Flavor notes
jasmine, floral, sweet

History

Jasmine tea originated during the Song dynasty but was perfected during the Ming dynasty when the scenting technique was refined. Jasmine Pearl (Mò Lì Lóng Zhū) represents the pinnacle of jasmine tea artistry. Each pearl is hand-rolled from two tender leaves and a bud, then scented with fresh jasmine blossoms over multiple nights. The scenting process is painstaking: fresh flowers are layered with the tea, and as they bloom at night, they release their fragrance into the leaves. This is repeated 4–7 times for premium grades.

Processing

Spring-harvested green tea is hand-rolled into tight pearls, then stored until summer when jasmine blooms. Fresh jasmine flowers are layered with the pearls in the evening as the blossoms open. After absorbing the fragrance overnight, the spent flowers are removed. This scenting cycle is repeated multiple times - more rounds produce more intense, layered fragrance. The highest grades use up to 7 scentings.

Tasting Notes

Appearance

Tight, silvery-green pearls that unfurl into beautiful whole leaves when brewed. The liquor is a clear, pale golden-green.

Aroma

Intoxicatingly floral - sweet jasmine fragrance layered over a clean green tea base. The scent is natural and complex, not perfume-like.

Taste

Smooth and sweet with a delicate jasmine perfume that doesn't overwhelm the underlying green tea. The best pearls offer layers of floral sweetness, a hint of honey, and a clean, refreshing finish.

Brewing Guide

Western Style

  • Leaf: 3g (6–8 pearls) per 200ml
  • Water: 80°C (176°F)
  • Time: 2–3 minutes
  • Infusions: 3–4 infusions

Gongfu Style

  • Leaf: 5g per 100ml
  • Water: 85°C (185°F)
  • Time: 30s first, +15s each subsequent
  • Infusions: 5–7 infusions

Step-by-step

  1. Count your pearls. Use about 6–8 pearls (3g) per cup. A glass vessel lets you watch the beautiful unfurling. Tip: Each pearl is hand-rolled from two leaves and a bud - they put on quite a show.
  2. Heat water to 80°C. Water that's too hot will scorch the delicate jasmine fragrance. Tip: If you only have boiling water, let it cool for 3–4 minutes.
  3. Steep and enjoy. Pour water and watch the pearls slowly unfurl over 2–3 minutes. The jasmine aroma fills the room. Tip: These pearls resteep beautifully - often 4–5 times with increasing steeping time.

Health Benefits

  • Combines green tea antioxidants with jasmine's calming aromatherapy effects
  • Jasmine scent has been shown to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation
  • Contains moderate caffeine for gentle alertness
  • Rich in catechins from the green tea base
  • Traditionally used to aid digestion

Food Pairings

  • Light dim sum - especially shrimp dumplings
  • Fresh fruit, particularly stone fruits and lychee
  • Light pastries and French macarons
  • Mild fish dishes with delicate sauces
  • Jasmine rice (for a jasmine double experience)

Buying Guide

What to look for

  • Tight, uniform pearls with visible silver tips
  • Strong, natural jasmine fragrance - not artificial or perfume-like
  • No loose jasmine petals mixed in (high-quality pearls absorb all the scent)
  • Look for the number of scentings - 4+ indicates premium quality

Quality indicators

  • Fujian province (especially Fuzhou) is the premier origin
  • Hand-rolled pearls with visible downy buds
  • Multiple scentings (4–7) produce more complex, layered fragrance
  • Spring-picked base tea with summer jasmine scenting

Price range: $10–20 for standard, $25–50 for premium multi-scented, $60+ for artisan 7-scenting

Storage: Store in an airtight container away from light and strong odors. The jasmine fragrance fades over time - best enjoyed within 6 months.

Fun Facts

  • Jasmine flowers only open at night, which is why the scenting process happens after sunset.
  • Premium jasmine pearls use up to 7 separate scentings - each round requires fresh flowers.
  • About 100 jasmine flowers are needed to scent just 500 grams of tea.
  • Jasmine tea is the most popular scented tea in China, often served as a welcoming gesture in restaurants.

Related Teas

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