The History of Jasmine Tea (2024)

FAQs

The History of Jasmine Tea? ›

First produced in China over 1,000 years ago, jasmine tea's scenting process began during the South-Song Dynasty in China and was further developed under the Ming Dynasty. By the early 20th century, the blend was popular enough to become a fast-moving trade item.

Between 960 and 1127 AD (during the Song dynasty), Fuzhou gained the name of "The City of Jasmine in China". Fuzhou is regarded as the origin of the jasmine tea production process, and so far it is the only city to contain the complete production process.

Often known as the “Queen of the Flowers”, Jasmine has been revered for its strong fragrance, beauty, as well as many health benefits. The name derives from the Persian word Yasmin, meaning 'Gift from God”. The flower is symbolically representative of purity, simplicity, modesty and strength.

Uma Kannan, jasmine was one of the first plants humans cultivated purely for its scent, which, coincidentally or not, is thought to be an aphrodisiac. Jasmine probably came to China from south Asia during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE to 220 BCE) and quickly became popular.

Historically it is said that China introduced the Jasmine plant from South Asia during the Han Dynasty - somewhere between 206 BC and 220 AD - but didn't start cultivating Jasmine tea until almost three centuries later, only growing in popularity when tea export to the West grew exponentially as the years passed.

Why is jasmine tea so expensive? Due to the often intensive process to make jasmine tea, it's usually sold at a higher price point. The price will increase depending on the scenting process and the type of tea leaf used. Organic green tea or silver needle tea, for example, will likely cost more.

Like other caffeinated drinks, consuming too much jasmine tea could cause symptoms like anxiety, jitters, headache, nausea, restlessness, increased heart rate or trouble sleeping.

In many countries, jasmines evoke love and peace, so it often takes part in wedding ceremonies. It also symbolizes modesty; although jasmine flowers are small and simple, they produce a strong, delectable fragrance. In 1993, Arabian jasmine was declared the national flower of Indonesia.

Jasmine Flower Spiritual Meaning

This flower holds deep significance across cultures, symbolizing divine love, purity of the soul, and spiritual awakening. Its intoxicating fragrance is said to transport you to higher realms, making meditation and relaxation a breeze.

The all-powerful antioxidants in jasmine tea can help support your immune system by fighting bacteria and infections. As well as this, the tea has anti-inflammatory properties, so it can help reduce pain and prevent general damage to your body.

What is the story behind jasmine? ›

Jasmine debuted in Aladdin (1992) as the Princess of Agrabah, daughter of the Sultan. Frustrated with constantly having decisions made for her and being pressured into marrying a prince by law, Jasmine disguises herself as a peasant and escapes the palace.

In this mythology it is said that a beautiful young nomad whose name was Jasmine used large amounts of veils to protect herself from the harmful sun rays that are in the desert. A prince belonging to a North African race was fascinated by Jasmine's beauty as people described her.

In India, jasmine is referred to as “Queen of the Night” due to its strong scent after sunset. In most parts of the world, jasmine is very symbolic. In the Philippines, jasmine is often featured in weddings and religious ceremonies. In Thailand, the flower represents motherhood, love, and respect.

The perfumed jasmine flowers that flavor jasmine tea usually come from one of two jasmine species: Common Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) or Sampaguita (Jasminum sambac). Both are related to the olive family, Oleaceae, and produce intensely fragrant and sweet-smelling flowers.

Tea blends with florals tend to have a shorter shelf life than black, green, or white tea. "Floral infusions, particularly those made with chamomiles, rose petals, jasmine, and lavender, tend to lose their fragrance very fast—as quickly as three months," says Desai.

According to TCM, jasmine belongs to the “yang'' food group, which helps balance out the “yin” of green tea beautifully.

Jasmines are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Eurasia, Africa, Australasia within Oceania, although only one of the 200 species is native to Europe. Their center of diversity is in South Asia and Southeast Asia.

Most species of jasmine grown today were originally native to tropical Asia and parts of China. The jasmines that can be grown as houseplants are tropical or subtropical vines or subshrubs grown for their fragrance.

Jasmine tea is a Chinese speciality that is enjoyed all over the world. Typically, Jasmine tea is green-or white tea-based, naturally infused with jasmine buds and Jasmine flower petals.

Since jasmine tea is not much different from green tea, except the scent added to it, the benefits are pretty much the same. Jasmine tea adds the aspect of relieving stress but if jasmine scent is added to a caffeinated tea, it won't be of much use.