Most people assume jasmine tea is simply green tea mixed with jasmine flowers.
The truth is quieter, and far older.
Traditional jasmine tea is made through a centuries-old Chinese scenting process — one that lets tea leaves absorb the fragrance of fresh jasmine blossoms naturally. The flowers themselves are usually removed before the tea is finished, leaving behind only their delicate aroma.
It is this craftsmanship that gives high-quality jasmine tea its elegant floral character, and has made it one of the most beloved teas in Chinese tea culture.
The Flower That Never Stays
When people picture jasmine tea, they imagine tea leaves mixed with dried flowers.
Traditional jasmine tea is made differently.
The flowers responsible for its distinctive aroma are rarely found in the finished tea. By the time it reaches your cup, the blossoms are long gone. Only their fragrance remains.
The flowers play a vital role, yet they are never meant to stay. Their purpose is to pass on their fragrance — then make way for the tea itself.
This method has been practiced in China for centuries, and is still regarded as one of the finest ways to produce scented tea.
A Craft That Happens at Night
Fresh jasmine blossoms are harvested during the day, while the buds remain tightly closed. As evening falls, they slowly open and release their fragrance into the cooler night air.
At that moment, tea makers layer the flowers among green tea leaves and leave them together overnight. As the blossoms open, the leaves drink in their aroma. By morning, the flowers have given up much of their scent — and are removed.
For higher grades, the work does not stop there. Fresh flowers are brought in and the process is repeated, sometimes over several consecutive nights. Each round adds another layer of fragrance — a tea that grows more refined and expressive, without a single drop of artificial flavouring.
Part of jasmine tea's appeal lies in how much of its story happens out of sight. It is a quiet craft, but one that has helped jasmine tea earn its place among China's most enduring tea traditions.
From Tradition to a Modern Latte
That same tradition inspired our Jasmine Green Tea Latte at D² Tea Lab.
Based in Vancouver, D² Tea Lab was created with a simple goal: to share the beauty of traditional Chinese tea culture through modern drinks that fit the way we live today.
We believe tea can be both meaningful and approachable — carrying centuries of craftsmanship, while still being something you enjoy on the way to work, during an afternoon break, or while catching up with friends.
For our Jasmine Green Tea Latte, we use premium jasmine green tea chosen for its clean floral profile and smooth finish, then pair it with fresh milk for balance and texture.
The floral notes arrive first, followed by the mellow sweetness of milk and the gentle freshness of green tea. Nothing dominates. Each element has room to be noticed.
The result is a drink that feels light, fragrant, and comforting all at once.
Why We Love Jasmine Tea
At D² Tea Lab, we are drawn to teas with stories.
Jasmine tea is a beautiful example of how patience, craftsmanship, and simplicity can come together to create something remarkable.
The flowers bloom for only a short time. The leaves quietly hold their fragrance long after the blossoms are gone.
There is something timeless about that idea. Every cup of our Jasmine Green Tea Latte carries a small part of this tradition forward — connecting a centuries-old craft with everyday life in Vancouver today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does jasmine tea contain jasmine flowers?
Traditional jasmine tea is scented with fresh jasmine blossoms that are removed after the tea absorbs their fragrance. Most premium jasmine teas contain little or no flower material in the final product.
How is jasmine tea made?
Through a traditional scenting process: fresh jasmine flowers are layered with tea leaves overnight, and the tea naturally absorbs the flowers' aroma before the blossoms are removed.
Is jasmine tea naturally flavoured?
High-quality jasmine tea gets its fragrance naturally from fresh jasmine flowers, rather than from artificial flavouring.
Does jasmine tea contain caffeine?
Yes. Jasmine tea is usually made with green tea leaves, so it naturally contains caffeine — though generally less than a typical cup of coffee.
What is a Jasmine Green Tea Latte?
It combines jasmine green tea with milk, creating a smooth, balanced drink that highlights both the floral character of jasmine and the creaminess of milk.
Where can I find a Jasmine Green Tea Latte in Vancouver?
At D² Tea Lab, our Jasmine Green Tea Latte is inspired by the traditional Chinese jasmine scenting process and crafted to bring authentic tea culture into a modern café experience.
If you enjoy floral, aromatic teas, you may also love exploring other creations at D² Tea Lab — osmanthus oolong tea latte, Earl Grey milk tea, chai tea latte, and more, drawn from both Eastern tea traditions and Western café culture.
We believe great tea is more than a beverage. It is a story, a craft, and a moment worth slowing down for.