Jasmine Green Tea vs Jasmine White Tea

How jasmine scenting works

Both styles start as finished tea, then are layered with fresh jasmine blossoms overnight so the tea absorbs the flowers' fragrance as they open and release their oils. This is repeated for several nights, then the spent flowers are sifted out.

Higher-quality jasmine teas go through more scenting cycles, sometimes five to seven, and use no added jasmine essence or oil. Cheaper versions cut corners with fewer cycles and synthetic flavoring, which tastes flatter and more perfume-like.

How the base leaf changes the cup

Jasmine green tea uses a green tea base, often a rolled pearl-style leaf, giving a brisk, slightly grassy backbone under the floral aroma. It feels lively and refreshing, closer to a garden than a dessert.

Jasmine white tea uses a white tea base, typically silver needle or white peony buds, which is naturally sweeter and softer. The jasmine sits on top of a gentler, hay-like flavor, producing a rounder, less astringent cup overall.

• Jasmine green tea: brisk, grassy base, floral top notes
• Jasmine white tea: soft, sweet base, floral and delicate

Brewing each one

Jasmine green tea brews at 158–176°F (70–80°C) for 60–90 seconds, the same as unscented green tea, and re-steeps well two or three times with the floral note fading gradually. The recommended tea temperatures for scented teas mirror their base teas.

Jasmine white tea brews slightly warmer, 167–185°F (75–85°C), for 2–4 minutes, and is more forgiving of a longer steep since white tea rarely turns bitter, even scented.

Price and where to start

Jasmine green tea is widely available and affordable, often $12–$20 for 3–4 oz (85–115 g), since green tea leaf is relatively inexpensive to begin with.

Jasmine white tea costs more, typically $20–$35 for the same weight, reflecting the higher cost of white tea buds and the care needed to scent a more delicate leaf without damaging it.