Our Jasmine Black Jewel is a "fresh" tea made to local customs and a real treat. High-grade Mei Zhan varietal leaves were processed to a black tea in April and held for fresh jasmine flower scenting. As jasmine is so popular, we felt it may be time to bring this tea in once again. The black tea was grown on a farm in the mountains near Fuzhou, in Fujian Province, at an elevation of about 1400 meters. The varietal used to make this tea is strong in body & slow growing. This results in a rich base black tea taste and it joins very well with jasmine.
Lot Notes
The tea maker once specialized in jasmine teas and is recognized for his skill. His black tea is highest grade and it matches well with jasmine. He farms organically and does not export his teas. It is a "fresh tea", made early in the spring, to local customs and as such offers a glimpse into Chinese tea culture. The varietal - Mei Zhan - is a special tasting tea and is increasingly hard to find as it is difficult to properly process as it very quickly gets a "baked" taste when fired.
Tea Facts
Our lot is handmade, grown on a small farm in Fujian province. It is a "fresh tea" made to local customs. The tea maker is a true craftsman. The jasmine scenting process entailed 5 repetitions to gain its finished aroma. Farm uses organic, traditional farming practices.
Tasting Notes
It will invigorate one as a good black tea should; it will also calm and soothe as the jasmine flower does so well. Flavor is a balanced blending of black leaf and jasmine, naturally sweet, nuanced and smooth. The finish is clean, fresh and lingering.
Brewing Suggestions
For up to 8 ounces of water, we recommend 3 grams of leaf. For a teapot, a rounded tablespoon. Use water at a temperature of 195-205 F and steep the leaves for 2- 3 minutes and taste. The more nuanced notes of the tea will come through with a shorter steep. Longer steeps will bring more body into your cup. Should provide multiple steeps!
BLACK TEA
3 grams/1 teaspoon per 6 ounces of water
195° - 205° F
2 Minutes
Black tea is a leaf that has been fully oxidized. This rigorous oxidization produces a tea of hearty rich flavors while reducing its astringency and bringing out a natural sweetness.
Flavors will range from bright, brisk, peppery, clean, and smoky to aromatic, bold, malty, nutty, spicy, and sweet. Blacks are known for long, delicately aromatic, and comforting aftertastes. Note, they are often enjoyed with milk or sweetener.
-
It’s a lovely experience.
Somehow the black tea amplifies the jasmine.
-
Jasmine Black Jewel
very distinct snappy flavor, this tea is easy to brew, it's never too strong, i use 5 grams, 16 oz water, 205 deg, brew for two minutes or longer, i brew this three times, really glade i bought this tea,
-
Jasmine Black Jewel
If you're looking for something entirely out of the ordinary in a black tea, look no further. This Jasmine Black Jewel is fragrant, tasty, and refreshing. Will order more.
-
Jasmine Black Jewel
This is a deliciously sweet black tea with just the right amount of jasmine fragrance. Reminds me of the old Pumphrey's Blend from Peets, if you loved that. A wonderful tea for the afternoon, especially; but really it's good anytime. My tea cabinet is never without it.
-
Jasmine Black Jewel
Best type of jasmine to drink during chilly weather. The added warmth of the black base tea will keep you grounded while the heady jasmine scent keeps you lifted. If like me, you prefer your black tea enhanced by the flavor of the jasmine, give this one a couple of weeks after opening the package to get the true feel of this tea. Upon opening, the jasmine was a bit overpowering to me but later more balanced and now I'm craving the multiple brews. Not as full a mouth feel as previous years but still my favorite type of jasmine tea - also seems less acidic than its green counterparts.
-
A Fresh Take for Black Tea Lovers
This delightful organic mixture of flavors is very refreshing but not overpowering. There's just enough jasmine to brighten the aroma and infuse the taste with a surprising freshness.
-
Phenomenal, uncommon jasmine
I'm so glad this tea is available. It's a skillfully produced tea--the jasmine subtly permeates the tea, and naturally complements the flavor base. Similar teas have been available through other purveyors in the past, but in recent years these have seemingly disappeared everywhere except here. This tea stands on its own compared to those other teas in terms of quality alone, but its rarity just adds to its value. This seems like such a natural form of jasmine tea--a class of tea onto itself--that I'm surprised it isn't more widely emulated. I would be deeply saddened to see it disappear.
-
One-of-a-kind Jasmine!
I am a fan of jasmine teas, but often find them so perfumy that I start getting a headache after a few cups. This is the first jasmine tea I've encountered that doesn't give me that problem. The black tea grounds the jasmine flavor, and cuts the intensity a bit. The taste is unique, almost like sweet jasmine candy. I usually give it brief steeps, which yield multiple infusions. I've never encountered a Mei Zhan tea I didn't like, and this tea is no exception!