Green tea vs. Jasmine tea
Overview
Discover the timeless allure of green tea, a beverage that has captivated cultures worldwide for centuries. With its roots in ancient China, it not only offers delicate, nuanced flavors but also the health benefits of green tea. From the production process that preserves its unique qualities to the various types, like the aromatic jasmine tea, every cup of green tea tells a story of tradition and wellness. Whether you're a seasoned tea enthusiast or a curious newcomer, dive into the enchanting world of green tea and learn how to elevate your tea-drinking experience. Start your journey today and uncover what makes green tea an exceptional addition to your daily routine!
Table of Content
- Introduction
- Origins
- Production process
- Health benefits
- Brewing process
- Flavour profile
- Caffeine content
- Conclusion
Introduction
Green tea, renowned for its delicate flavors and numerous health benefits, has a rich history that dates back to ancient China. With its origins steeped in legend and tradition, green tea has become a staple in many cultures worldwide. From its production process to its various types, like jasmine tea, each aspect of green tea offers unique characteristics and advantages. This guide explores the fascinating origins, meticulous production methods, and distinct health benefits of green tea and jasmine tea. Additionally, you'll learn the best brewing techniques to maximize flavor and enjoy the full experience of this timeless beverage. Let’s dive into the enchanting world of green tea and discover what makes it so special!
Origins
Green Tea
Various stories about the invention of tea in China all mention Emperor Shen Nung. One famous story from 2737 BC says a leaf blew into boiling broth in Emperor Shen Nung's court, and he was so pleased with the infusion that he named it 'Tcha.' Another story credits the Shang Dynasty (1500 BC–1046 BC) with inventing tea for medicinal purposes. Regardless of the legends, it is widely accepted that the Han Dynasty (206-220 AD) popularized tea in Chinese culture. By the time the Qing Dynasty ruled, tea had become a staple drink in China.
Jasmine Tea
First produced in China over 1,000 years ago, jasmine tea’s scenting process began during the South-Song Dynasty and was further developed under the Ming Dynasty. By the early 20th century, jasmine tea had become a fast-moving trade item. High demand increased production costs as growers had to plant jasmine flowers in pots and move them indoors to stay warm over the winter. Although Taiwan started cultivating jasmine flowers in the late 19th century, experts still regard China as the best producer of jasmine tea.
Production Process
Green Tea
Upon arrival at the factory, tea leaves are full of moisture. The first stage reduces their water content to about 60%–70% by laying them out in big troughs on a wire mesh with air passed over them. This gentle drying takes between 12 and 17 hours, leaving the leaves bendy and ready to be rolled. Traditionally rolled by hand, most factories now use rolling machines to twist and turn the leaves until they're thin and wet, which also starts the oxidation process.
The leaves are then left for 30 minutes to two hours at a temperature of about 26 °C. During this time, enzymes inside the leaves react with the air, changing their color from green to beige to a rich, deep brown. Once oxidized to the right level, the leaves go through hot air dryers to further reduce their water content to about 3%, making them ready for sorting and packing.
Jasmine Tea
Tea leaves are harvested in the early spring and stored until late summer, when fresh jasmine flowers bloom. Jasmine flowers, picked early in the day with tightly closed petals, are kept cool until nightfall. At night, jasmine flowers open and release their fragrance, which is when tea scenting takes place. Tea and flowers are either placed in alternating layers or blended and stored overnight. It takes over four hours for the tea to absorb the fragrance and flavor of the jasmine blossoms. The scenting process may be repeated six or seven times for top grades.
Health Benefits
Green Tea
Green tea contains more than just caffeine. It has the amino acid L-theanine, which can cross the blood-brain barrier, increase the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, and boost dopamine and alpha wave production in the brain. The powerful antioxidant Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) in green tea has been studied for treating various diseases, which may explain why green tea has potent medicinal properties. It can boost metabolic rate, increase fat burning, and protect against cancer. Multiple studies show that green tea drinkers have a lower risk of various cancers.
Jasmine Tea
Jasmine tea can lower caffeine consumption enough to promote better sleep. Studies show that green tea can slow the growth and spread of some cancer cells and reduce tumor size. Jasmine green tea is excellent for skin health, as naturally occurring polyphenols combat skin damage and pigmentation. Its antioxidants support the immune system by fighting bacteria and infections. Jasmine tea also helps reduce oxidized LDL (bad) cholesterol, lowering the risk of strokes, blood clots, and heart attacks. The small amount of caffeine in jasmine tea can improve brain function by encouraging the release of mood-enhancing chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, leading to increased alertness and improved short-term memory.
Brewing Process
Green Tea
- Heat filtered or spring water to 165°F.
- Warm the kyusu, gaiwan, or yixing teapot with the water. Use this warming water to warm the pitcher and cups.
- Discard the warming water.
- Add approximately 5 grams of tea to a 200-ml kyusu, or fill the gaiwan or yixing pot about 1/3 full.
- Cover the leaves with 165°F water and start the timer (do not replace the lid).
- Steep for 30-45 seconds.
- Pour all the tea into the serving pitcher, ensuring all liquid is poured off to prevent over-steeping.
- Serve and enjoy!
- Re-steep 5-6 times at decreasing time intervals using the same water temperature.
Jasmine Tea
- Warm the tea vessel with freshly boiled water.
- Add 4-6 pearls for a mug, 2/3 teaspoon for a small teapot, or one daisy, ball, or jasmine blossom tea for a teapot. Use a clear glass teapot for blossom teas for the visual effect.
- Add freshly boiled water and steep for at least 2 to 3 minutes, then serve.
- Reuse the tea leaves for 3–4 additional infusions by adding hot water, slightly increasing brewing time with each infusion.
Flavor Profile
Green Tea
Green tea has a complex flavor profile described as grassy, earthy, and flowery, with a balance of bitterness, sweetness, and umami.
Jasmine Tea
Jasmine tea is commonly described as floral, sweet, perfumed, fresh, blossomed, dewy, bouquet-like, fragrant, delicate, and subtle.
Caffeine Content
Green Tea
An 8-oz (230-ml) serving of green tea contains around 35 mg of caffeine, though it can vary between 30 and 50 mg per serving.
Jasmine Tea
An 8-ounce cup of jasmine green tea contains around 25 milligrams of caffeine. An herbal jasmine tisane has no caffeine, and a jasmine blend with black tea contains about 45 milligrams.
Conclusion
Green tea, with its rich history, meticulous production process, and numerous health benefits, offers a delightful and enriching experience. From the legendary tales of its origins in China to the modern-day appreciation of its various types, like jasmine tea, green tea continues to be a staple in many cultures worldwide. By understanding how to select, brew, and enjoy green tea without side effects, you can elevate your tea-drinking ritual to new heights. Embrace the delicate flavors, the health benefits, and the rich traditions of green tea. Start your green tea journey today, and discover the perfect cup that suits your palate and enhances your well-being. Explore different varieties, experiment with brewing techniques, and make green tea a part of your daily routine.
To further enrich your tea collection, include Pu-erh tea from Puerh Craft. Its distinctive flavor and health benefits will seamlessly complement your pursuit of greater vitality and relaxation, adding depth and variety to your tea experience.
Q&A
Q. What is the historical significance of green tea in China?
A. Green tea has a rich history in China, dating back to 2737 BC. Legend has it that Emperor Shen Nung discovered tea when a leaf blew into his boiling water. Throughout the Shang and Han Dynasties, tea was used for medicinal purposes, and by the Qing Dynasty, it had become a staple drink in Chinese culture.
Q. How is jasmine tea different from green tea in terms of production?
A. While both green and jasmine tea start with green tea leaves, jasmine tea undergoes an additional scenting process. Harvesters pick jasmine flowers early in the day and store them until nightfall. Then, they layer the flowers with or blend them into the tea leaves. They repeat this process multiple times to infuse the tea with the delicate jasmine aroma and flavor.
Q. What are some health benefits of drinking green tea?
A. It can boost metabolism, increase fat burning, protect against certain cancers, and improve brain function due to its combination of caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine.
Q. What are the recommended steps for brewing the perfect cup of green tea?
A. To brew the perfect cup of green tea, heat-filter or spring water to 165°F. Warm your teapot with the hot water, then discard it. Add about 5 grams of tea to a 200-ml pot, cover the leaves with water, and steep for 30-45 seconds. Pour all the tea into a serving pitcher to prevent over-steeping, and enjoy. Re-steep the leaves 5–6 times, adjusting the steeping time as needed.
Q. How does the caffeine content of green tea compare to that of jasmine tea?
A. The average amount of caffeine in an 8-oz serving of green tea is around 35 mg, although it can range from 30 to 50 mg. Jasmine green tea typically contains about 25 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup. In contrast, herbal jasmine tisanes contain no caffeine, while jasmine blends made with black tea can contain around 45 mg of caffeine per cup.
