I haven’t quite made up my mind on whether I like jasmine or not. When I think I do, I try something else that includes jasmine and then I wonder if I actually don’t. I was hesitant to try this Jasmine Tea Blend by Simpson and Vail because of this. However, I persevered and decided to go ahead and try anyways.
Jasmine smells really sweet and tastes that way too. I did not even add sweetener to the steeped cup. I do like this, but being 100% honest I feel like I need another component here. Like, maybe, apple jasmine…or vanilla jasmine…or maybe like a jasmine tangerine or something. But, just plain jasmine tea isn’t really doing it for me. That said, this is definitely a rich jasmine flavor. Its sweet, its floral, and its smooth.
I think that this would be a great cup to drink if I want to unwind in the evening after a nice bath. The smell of jasmine is definitely relaxing. I just don’t know if i’m all for straight floral tea. Like I said, I am longing for a second component. I do think that this is yummy, though, and I think that someone who enjoys floral teas or jasmine teas would really love this. Even if you aren’t sure whether you like floral tea, this would definitely be a tea to try it out. It is authentic and yummy. I have had great luck with Simpson and Vail and I really always enjoy their blends.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black Tea
Where to Buy: Simpson and Vail
Description
The process of producing Jasmine tea started in China sometime during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) using tea blended with Jasmine blossoms. Jasmine teas are created using different types of tea: white, oolong and green predominantly. The base teas used are picked, depending on the type of tea, from March to June, but the Jasmine blossoms do not bloom until the summer. So the teas are picked, processed and stored until the fresh blossoms can be added. The blossoms are picked in the morning when the dew has dried off the closed buds. The buds are then kept cool during the day and then in the evening, when the buds begin to open, they are mixed into the tea. After at least 4 hours, when the tea has absorbed the jasmine scent, the blossoms are removed and fresh buds are added. For standard grade jasmine teas, the blossoms are added 2 or 3 times. For premium grade jasmine teas, this process may be repeated up to 8 times. Once the blenders are satisfied that the tea has the appropriate amount of aroma, the tea is re-fired to remove the moisture that was introduced to the tea by the fresh jasmine blossoms. Jasmine tea destined to remain in China usually has the spent blossoms removed from the finished product, but with teas that are exported, jasmine blossoms are sometimes left in the finished tea for their appearance.
Historically the aroma of Jasmine blossoms was recommended for stress relief, depression and relaxation. For us, the aroma of Jasmine infused teas does have a profound ability to calm and relax!
This Jasmine tea, from the Fujian Province in China, is a scented oolong tea with a delicious jasmine flavor. The medium size tea leaves brew to a pale ecru cup with a strong jasmine bouquet.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Sir Stuart Black & Green Blend from Kent & Sussex Tea & Coffee. . . . .
Sir Stuart Black & Green Tea from Kent & Sussex Tea & Coffee was named after the explorer Sir Stuart Cleary of Cranbrookshire after his trip to the Orient. This tea is lower in caffeine but highly flavored! Sir Stuart Black & Green Tea from Kent & Sussex Tea & Coffee is a black and green tea blended base with lots of other exciting ingredients mixed in!
Black Tea, Green Tea, Ginger pieces, Fennel, Cardamom seeds, Rose petals and Cornflower blossoms make of the flavor. It’s fruity, spicy, and floral! If you have sipped on an Earl Grey flavored green tea before and enjoyed it this might be one you would like to try. It’s somewhat reminiscent of that but it’s also so much more in terms of taste.
More specifically I was able to smell and taste the rose and fennel individually at a time were the Earl Grey Flavored Green tea was part of a weaker sip. The ginger and cardamom played more of a part with the aftertaste. There are lots of yin and yang flavors here and a lot going on but it all plays well with each other and makes for a colorful sight and tasty flavor on the tongue, too! If you liked black and green teas that are blended together and flavored well you will want to try Sir Stuart Black & Green Tea from Kent & Sussex Tea & Coffee!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black Tea/Green Tea (Blend)
Where to Buy: Kent & Sussex Tea & Coffee
Description
Sir Stuart a fine Black Tea and Green Tea. A flavoured Tea with hints of Bergamot and Orange. Named after the explorer Sir Stuart Cleary of Cranbrookshire following a trip to the Orient. A beautiful looking loose leaf tea with magical flavours when brewed. A Fruity aroma combined with Spicy Ginger and Fennel create something special and fresh tasting. Ingredients Black Tea, Green Tea, Ginger pieces, Fennel, Cardamom seeds, Natural flavouring, Rose petals and Cornflower blossoms.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Buckingham Palace English Favorite from TeaLeafs. . . . .
Buckingham Palace English Favorite from TeaLeafs is a surprisingly interesting black and green tea blended base with additional flavors to please and tease the senses including Jasmine blossoms, Cornflower petals, Natural flavors.
It’s quite aromatic but a sturdy based tea that stands up to the flavors nicely. The black tea is the stronger of the flavors followed by the green tea. The floral flavors come into play shortly after that.
At first sip I thought it was like a crazy cousin to an Earl Grey tasting tea but it’s more than that. Maybe more like that crazy cousin and his new girlfriend at a holiday party of sorts. Whatever the additions or differences it seemed to work well here.
I really liked this because it was a stronger based tea. A great way to start your day or if you are in the need of a pick-me-up in the middle of the afternoon during that midday lull. Either way – I find Buckingham Palace English Favorite from TeaLeafs pretty spectacular. I understand why it says English Favorite in part of the product name! 2 thumbs up from me on this one!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black Tea
Where to Buy: Tea Leafs
Description
Origin: Kenya, Sri Lanka, India, China
Ingredients: Black Tea, Green Tea, Jasmine blossoms, Cornflower petals, Natural flavors
A Black Tea and Green Tea Blend with delicate Earl Grey and Jasmine notes. Flavoury with medium body. 50%+ Ethical Tea Partnership, 50%+ Free Trade Tea, Rare Tea