With summer officially arriving on Tuesday at 5:16pm, I’m hoping that it heralds warmer, sunny days. Aside from a brief hot spell in May, it’s been mostly cool and rainy this spring in MA. I find it interesting that the start of the warmest season also brings the start of the sun’s descent southward, shortening our days until winter solstice in December when they start lengthening once again.
Last week I reviewed a white tea scented with jasmine flowers. This week I’ve decided to brew up another jasmine tea, this time a green tea called Jasmine Pi Lo Chun.
You probably recognize the second part of the tea’s name as it’s a very famous green tea from China. You may read more about Pi Lo Chun tea here.
While many of the green leaves unfurled from their distinctive curled shape, I found this little guy in my pile of wet leaves.
I didn’t find one single blossom in either one of these teas. That’s because they remove all of the spent blossoms after each scenting cycle. Wow, if you think about it, that’s amazingly tedious work to pick the flowers blossoms out only to do it all over again the next day. For a week!
Sometimes I will talk to someone who is only interested in a jasmine tea that still has the dried flowers mixed in with the tea leaves. I think that there are some available like that. Perhaps they feel it lends the tea a more attractive appearance, looking more like the tea has been actually scented with flowers because they’re visible. Perhaps they feel it lends a more “jasmine-y” flavor to the tea. I’m not sure but I think that both of these teas, the Silver Needles and the Pi Lo Chun, have quite a pronounced jasmine flavor without any dried blossoms at all.
That being said, I find the green tea to be stronger in flavor overall than the white which gives the feeling of a stronger jasmine flavor. Candy sweet and quite floral. Very, very nice…
Next week I have an art guild meeting on Saturday so I’m going to try something that I’ve never tried before. In my 4 years of reviewing teas, I’ve never repeated a post before! Well, I’m going to give it a go next Saturday. I certainly have a library of tea reviews to choose from!
Have a great week, dear tea friends. I hope that you are able to carve out a moment to sit down and relax with a wonderful cup of tea.
“Within your heart, keep one still, secret spot where dreams may go.” ~Louise Driscoll
Art and Tea 
Thanks so much for shareing,..I just love you reviews,..Keep up the Good Work… It really Helps me out, when trying New teas. Thanks Again 🙂
What a great tea review and quote. Now I have to add this tea to my list as well!
I agree with you Karen, that the flowers need not be present in the tea for a more pronounced Jasmine aroma and flavor. I have tried a few Yin Hao Jasmines which contain the flowers, and they are good teas, but not as good as a Jasmine Pearl or Silver Needle. Last week I read your review of Jasmine Downy White Pekoe from Jan 17, 2009, which you said had a very pronounced Jasmine aroma and flavor (a tea with no flowers).
Also I plan on purchasing the Pre Qingming Pi Lo Chun and Golden Jade.
Maybe next week you could repost a review of a fresh green or oolong tea, or any tea better for the warmer months. Enjoy your art meeting next week. Happy tea drinking…….Cheers! 🙂
How interesting…….your first art/tea review from Aprill 22, 2007 deals with spirals and Pi Lo Chun!! 🙂
The Jasmine tea sounds wonderful. Have you tried it iced? Nice for the hot days ahead.
What a gorgeous blog you have!
I am not too acquainted with green teas, except from the basics (Jasmine and Gunpowder) and it’s an area of tea that I’d like to learn more about. I tend to prefer black teas myself, but it’s always important to keep an open mind 🙂 Your photography is stunning too! Simply lovely 🙂
Blessings,
This Good Life
Same with the weather here! I’m trying, trying to be patient.
You’re very welcome, Kimberly. I’m glad to help and thanks so much for visiting and commenting!
Thanks Scott, will do. Enjoy your tea! I guess I’ve come full circle. Or, would that be full spiral? 😉
I haven’t tried it iced yet, Judy, but that’s a fabulous idea!
Thank you so much, This Good Life, glad you could visit and comment!
Thanks Steph, sending warm weather thoughts to you! 🙂