Jasmine green tea is a scented tea made by scenting high-quality green tea with fresh jasmine flowers. Its unique fragrance and refreshing taste are highly sought after by consumers. Its production process combines the primary processing techniques of green tea with the scenting techniques of jasmine flowers. The core lies in the "flower scenting" process. Through multiple scenting cycles, the tea leaves are fully absorbed by the floral aroma while retaining the freshness of the green tea.
The production of jasmine green tea begins with the selection of raw materials. Fresh green tea is typically made from one bud and one leaf, or one bud and two leaves. These are then processed through traditional processes such as spreading, withering, rolling, and drying to create roasted green tea. Due to its unique drying method, roasted green tea has a loose structure and a strong ability to absorb aroma, making it an ideal base for scenting jasmine tea. Furthermore, jasmine flowers are picked when they are about to bloom, when their fragrance is most intense and long-lasting. After picking, they must be spread out to dissipate heat to prevent excessive opening that may affect quality.
Scenting is the core process of jasmine green tea. First, the tea leaves are re-fired and dried, controlling the moisture content to 4%-5% to enhance their aroma absorption. The tea leaves are then evenly mixed with jasmine flowers in appropriate proportions and stacked in a sealed environment, allowing the tea leaves to absorb the floral fragrance. The scenting process requires strict control of temperature (32-37°C), humidity, and oxygen levels, with each scenting session typically lasting 10-12 hours. High-quality jasmine green tea often undergoes three to five scenting sessions, with some high-end products requiring seven or more to ensure a fresh and long-lasting floral aroma.
After scenting, the tea leaves undergo flower-raising, re-fired, and flower-cutting. Flower-raising involves screening to separate the tea leaves from the flowers, followed by re-fired and drying to reduce moisture and stabilize the aroma. Some products undergo a final "flower-cutting" process, where a small amount of high-quality jasmine flowers are briefly scented to enhance the freshness of the aroma. Finally, the tea leaves undergo stacking, packaging, and other processes to complete the finished product.
The production process of jasmine green tea is complex and meticulous, and each step significantly impacts the final quality. Its reputation of "scenting jasmine with supreme flavor, which is listed as the best fragrance in the world" is the best interpretation of the essence of this traditional craft.
