I have a confession to make – actually, two confessions. First, I adore the scent of jasmine. Regardless of whether it’s coming from a perfume, body wash, or candle, the lilting and exotic fragrance draws me under its spell every time. Second, I love jasmine tea, and not just because of how it smells. It’s an acquired taste compared to other floral-and-green teas, but soulful and satisfying once it grows on you.

While any kind of jasmine tea puts a smile on my face, I want to refine my tastes and find the most delicious types of jasmine tea out there. So, I was thrilled to receive a sample of Jasmine Dragon Pearls from Chinese tea retailer Teasenz. This blend is made of green tea and jasmine blossoms grown in China’s Fujian province and scented together for several nights, then hand-rolled into delicate, pea-sized balls that resemble the tea’s namesake. And after numerous cups, I can attest that this hypnotic infusion is an absolute pleasure from the first steep to the final sip.

The Basics

Teasenz’s Description: “Perfumy, hand-rolled jasmine tea made from the most tender tea leaves and best Fujian jasmines. When added to hot water, the pearls majestically unfurl, filling the room with sweet jasmine scent and flavor.”

Ingredients: Jasmine blossoms, green tea leaves

Steeping Instructions: Use 1 tsp of tea for every 3 oz of water. Heat water to under boiling (175 degrees Fahrenheit / 80 degrees Celsius) and steep for 1 minute. Add 30 seconds to 1 minute for each additional brew.

Additional Brews?: Up to 3 times

Bagged or Loose Leaf?: Loose leaf

Caffeine Level: Medium

The Experience

Part of the appeal of Jasmine Dragon Pearls is the dry leaf. The olive green, silver-streaked pearls are so neatly rounded that it’s hard not to be impressed by the deftness of their harvester’s skills. When brewed, the rolled leaves uncurl and open slowly, like fingers beckoning you to watch. Then, of course, there’s the jasmine fragrance. Teasenz’s is already present before brewing; the exotic scent floats out of the package each time I open it. Not too strong, nor too subtle, creating the perfect balance for both long-time jasmine lovers and newbies to jasmine tea.

Following Teasenz’s instructions, I use about 1 teaspoon of Jasmine Dragon Pearls and steep it in just-under-boiling water for 1 minute. It doesn’t sound like much time, but the results douse all skepticism. The pale gold cup gives off a jasmine bouquet that’s richer than the dry leaf yet sweet and calming. What I smell is also what I taste. Each sip blossoms with the right amount of jasmine flavor, an enticing smoothness, and a pleasantly grassy finish.

At 90 seconds, the second steep (about 90 seconds) of Jasmine Dragon Pearls is just as excellent as the first one. The signature floral perfume and flavor still tantalize my senses. Steep #3 (2 minutes) takes on a bolder yellow color, and the green tea’s vegetal undertones mingle more evenly with the slightly weaker jasmine essence that’s still delicious. Even as this tea evolves cup after cup, balance continues to the key.

By the fifth steep (about 3 minutes), the tea offers a more grassy taste with a light and pleasant bitterness. The jasmine fragrance is gone by now, which I had expected. What I didn’t expect, though, was that hints of jasmine’s distinctive sweetness would still peek through when I roll the liquid around on my tongue. I prefer the earlier brews of Jasmine Dragon Pearls, but for a final brew this is a nice surprise.

The Aftertaste

I honestly can’t think of a reason why I shouldn’t recommend Teasenz’s Jasmine Dragon Pearls highly. This tea possesses all of the qualities a jasmine tea lover could want: a tidy and aromatic presentation when dry, a mesmerizing brewing experience to watch, and the distinctive, enticing jasmine flavor and aroma that’s perfectly balanced and unexpectedly long-lasting. It’s delectable, engaging, and – dare I say it? – sensual. Yes, there’s such a thing as sensual tea. Even if you don’t typically drink jasmine tea, you ought to reconsider. And with a competitive price of $9.95 USD for a 2.5-oz (70 gram) package, Teasenz’s Jasmine Dragon Pearls is a bargain you can afford – and a beverage you can’t afford to miss!

Grade: 10 / 10

Recommended For:

• Tea Drinkers Who: Like jasmine, floral, or green teas
• Time of Day and Year: Any time of year, from mid-morning through evening
• Possible Book Pairings: The personality of Jasmine Dragon Pearls reminds me of female protagonists with a delicate exterior and a dynamic set of skills and attributes. Try this tea with Maria V. Snyder’s Poison Study (YA fantasy), Kristin Cashore’s Fire (YA fantasy), or Michelle Moran’s Cleopatra’s Daughter (historical fiction). Jasmine tea’s soothing qualities also compliment meditation, new age, and self-help books quite nicely.

You can purchase Jasmine Dragon Pearls directly from Teasenz here.

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In addition to being a tea enthusiast, Sara Letourneau is an avid reader and a writer who… well, enjoys writing! Currently she’s working on a novel, and she writes book reviews and articles on the craft of writing. She’s also a published poet with works available in various print and online publications. Visit Sara at her personal blog, Facebook, or Twitter.

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