How Long to Steep Jasmine Tea for the Perfect Fragrance and Taste
In tea houses in Los Angeles, I’ve encountered people brewing jasmine tea so bitter that it tastes like herbal medicine—similar to heating a French macaroon in a microwave, completely wasting its delicate floral fragrance! As a Chinese tea master, I must tell you: properly brewed jasmine tea is not bitter at all and has a captivating jasmine aroma.
Jasmine tea is loved by tea enthusiasts for its light floral fragrance and smooth taste. It’s also a tea commonly served in Chinese restaurants. The steeping time for jasmine tea is crucial: brew it too long, and the tea becomes bitter; brew it too briefly, and the flavor will be weak. It’s similar to brewing coffee—if the extraction time is too long, the taste becomes strong and bitter; if it’s too short, the flavor will be bland and tasteless. In this guide, we will detail the ideal steeping times for jasmine tea with different tea-making tools, so you can brew perfect jasmine tea whether you're using loose leaf tea or tea bags.
Recommended Tea Ware for Brewing Jasmine Tea
When discussing the steeping time for jasmine tea, it’s important to note that the right tea ware plays a crucial role in the flavor of the tea. The steeping time can vary depending on the type of tea ware used.
For everyday brewing, if you're enjoying jasmine tea alone, a glass cup or mug is an excellent choice. It allows you to appreciate the unfolding process of the tea leaves while keeping the tea clear. This is the most convenient way to brew jasmine tea.
However, if you're brewing tea for a group and want better control over the strength of the tea, a gaiwan (a traditional Chinese tea brewing vessel) is the way to go. The gaiwan is perfect for those who enjoy delicate flavors because it allows for quick pouring, preventing over-steeping and bringing out the full flavor profile of jasmine tea.
Steeping Time for Jasmine Tea (Hot Brew)
When brewing jasmine tea with a gaiwan, the steeping time should not be too long, or else the tea will become bitter. If the tea becomes too weak in later steepings, you can slightly increase the steeping time. For brewing in a glass cup, the steeping time can be extended to 2 to 3 minutes, which helps to release the tea’s fragrance better. Typically, 2 to 3 grams of tea is recommended. Regardless of the tea ware used, it's best to control the water temperature between 75-85°Cbecause jasmine tea is made from green tea, and boiling water can easily cause bitterness.
| Tea Ware | Tea-to-Water Ratio | Steeping Time | Water Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass Cup | 1:140 (2.5g tea / 350ml water) | 2 minutes, replenish water in between | 75-85°C |
| Gaiwan | 1:30 (5g tea / 150ml water) | First steep 5 seconds, increase by 5 seconds for subsequent steeps | 85°C-90°C |
Cold Brew Jasmine Tea Steeping Time
When brewing jasmine tea using the cold brew method, the steeping time is completely different. Cold brewing involves slow extraction at low temperatures, which results in a smoother tea with a higher level of sweetness, reduced bitterness, and lower caffeine release. This method is ideal for those who prefer a milder taste or wish to reduce their caffeine intake.
The steeping time for cold brew jasmine tea mainly depends on the water temperature and personal taste preferences. Compared to hot brewing, cold brewing requires a longer time to extract the flavors and nutrients from the tea leaves. It's generally recommended to use a tea-to-water ratio of 1:100 (5g of tea for 500ml of cold water). After placing the tea in a sealed container, store it in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours to fully release the sweet and delicate jasmine fragrance.
| Brewing Method | Tea-to-Water Ratio | Steeping Time | Water Temperature | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Brew (Refrigerated) | 1:100 (5g tea / 500ml water) | 6-8 hours (up to 10-12 hours for stronger flavor) | Cold water (5-10°C / 41-50°F) | Smooth, naturally sweet, delicate jasmine aroma, lower caffeine |
| Cold Brew (Room Temperature) | 1:100 (5g tea / 500ml water) | 4-6 hours | Room temperature (20-25°C / 68-77°F) | Light and refreshing, mild jasmine fragrance, enhanced sweetness |
Summary
When brewing jasmine tea, whether hot or cold, the steeping time directly impacts the taste and aroma of the tea. For hot brewing, using a gaiwan allows for quick extraction, with the first steep only requiring 5 seconds and subsequent steeps increasing in time. When brewing in a glass cup, it is recommended to steep for about 2 minutes, replenishing water as needed to prevent oversteeping and bitterness. For cold brewing, the tea is slowly extracted at low temperatures, and refrigerating it for 6-8 hours provides the smoothest and sweetest flavor. If you prefer a faster cold brew, you can rinse the tea with hot water before adding cold water for steeping.
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