Pearl Jasmine Tea

Two days ago I had a discussion with Barbara and cteresa about jasmine teas and I was saying I stupidly never think to drink Jasmine teas except when I am in a Chinese or Japanese restaurant.

Then I remember I had an untasted sample from a swap with LaFleurBleue and decide to rectify the affront I make to Jasmine teas.

The smell of the dry pearls has nothing especially noticeable, the liquor smells very delicate.

Jasmine is not overpowering vs the tea base, the mix is perfectly balanced.

In spite of my fear with green teas, there is absolutely none hint of astringency with this tea.

Looking the small pearls opening is a real pleasure too

I really appreciate this tea even if Jasmine isn’t my favorite floral tea – I am very rose and very violet (and strangely this is exactly the same with Perfumes) thank you LaFleurBleue to permit me to taste this lovely tea.

Deliciously light, golden clear liquid. Thoroughly infused with the fragrance of jasmine, yet not overly-powerful so as to upset the delicate balance of the tea. This may indeed be my first tasting note for a non-black tea. I was quite surprised with how satisfied I was drinking the tea as is without the need to add anything. Now gearing up for a 2nd infusion. A new favorite to add to my collection!

While visiting TenFu’s in Beijing, I could not resist this tea and bought another jasmine tea to compare them both. Not sure exactly what the price difference between the two was; I would say something like 40% more for the pearl.
The little balls make it quite easier to use and for evaluation of the right quantity (2 balls for the first cup + 1 each, more or less). The smell is not very strong when opening the bag, much lighter than “regular” jasmine teas.
I always find the steeping disturbing (even after something like 20 to 30 teapots). The color remain very very light, however long I steeped it; once I probably forgot it for more than 10 minutes. The smell is quite delicate : not too strong on the jasmine, neither on the tea. Same thing when drinking : the taste feels really delicate, stronger on Jasmine at first then the green tea takes over.
A real bonuss : the tea never gets really bitter.
I really have the feeling those two smells and aromas just managed to be perfectly mixed together in this tea. And every time I prepare it, I get the same feeling “wow this is way better than jasmine tea”.