How to Brew Jasmine Green Tea Without Losing Its Aroma
Jasmine green tea is all about balance – the clean character of green tea meets the soft, floral fragrance of jasmine blossoms. But if you use boiling water or oversteep it, you’ll end up with something flat, bitter, or worse – just plain dull.In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to steep jasmine tea properly, using simple tools and a bit of technique. No faff. Just proper flavour.
Why Jasmine Tea Needs a Gentle Hand
The aroma in jasmine tea isn’t artificial (or at least, it shouldn’t be). Quality jasmine green tea is scented naturally: tea leaves are layered with fresh jasmine blossoms overnight, absorbing the floral oils.
“It’s one of the most delicate teas we sell at Twyford Tea Company – if brewed right, it’s floral, sweet and soothing. If brewed wrong, it’s gone.”
– Mike I, Founder
The key is to treat it gently: lower temperature, shorter steep, clean water. Here’s how.
Step-by-Step: How to Steep Jasmine Green Tea
What You’ll Need:
- Loose leaf jasmine green tea (ideally whole-leaf, not dust or fannings)
- Filtered water (or soft tap water)
- A kettle (preferably with temperature control, but not essential)
- A teapot or mug with infuser
- Optional: thermometer, timer, cup warmer
Step 1: Heat the Water – But Don’t Boil It
Ideal water temperature: 75°C–80°C
Boiling water scorches green tea leaves and destroys jasmine aroma. If you don’t have a temperature-controlled kettle:
- Bring water to a boil
- Let it sit for 3–5 minutes before pouring
This brings it down to a safe range.
Step 2: Measure the Tea Properly
Use 1 teaspoon of tea per 250ml cup
If your jasmine tea has big, whole leaves, you might want to use slightly more. Don’t overdo it – too much leaf can throw off the balance.
Step 3: Steep (brew) for 1.5 to 2 Minutes
- Pour the hot (not boiling) water over the leaves
- Let it steep for no more than 2 minutes
- Taste at the 90-second mark — you’re aiming for floral, slightly sweet, not grassy
“Most overbrewed jasmine teas I’ve tasted were just victims of the timer – don’t walk away and forget it.”
– Mike I
Step 4: Remove the Leaves Immediately
Once it hits your flavour sweet spot, remove the leaves. Leaving them in too long will make the tea bitter and strip away the subtle fragrance.
Use an infuser basket, strainer or gaiwan with a lid.
Step 5: Enjoy Jasmine Tea Fresh – Don’t Let It Sit
Jasmine green tea is best fresh and hot, ideally just cool enough to sip. If it cools too much, the floral notes fade. A cup warmer or thermos helps if you’re slow to drink.
Extra Jasmine Tea Brewing Tips
- Don’t use tap water with chlorine – it kills aroma
- Don’t microwave – it heats unevenly and ruins the profile
- Glass teapots are ideal – you can see the leaves unfurl
- Try second steeps – many jasmine teas can be brewed twice
Final Thought
Jasmine green tea doesn’t need fancy gear or tea ceremony fuss – just care. Brewed properly, it’s floral, gentle, and incredibly comforting. Steep it too hot or too long, and you’ll miss what makes it special.
If you’re looking for a smooth, naturally scented jasmine green tea, try our lJasmine Green Supreme. We've tried them all and selected this particular sort out of hundreds available on the global market. Our jasmine tea is hand-packed here in the UK and perfect for quiet mornings or evening wind-downs.
“When someone tries proper jasmine tea for the first time, you can see it on their face – like they didn’t expect tea could taste this good.”
– Mike I