Review: Hsin Tung Yang Jasmine Green Tea

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The Subject: Jasmine Green Tea from Hsin Tung Yang Co., Ltd.

Rating:

Water temperature: 180° F

Steeping time: 3 minutes

Tea type: Green

Scents, flavorings, etc.: Jasmine petals

Aroma, dry: Strong jasmine, but grassiness still there

Aroma in the cup, plain: Strong jasmine

Taste, plain: Strong jasmine, buttery feel in mouth

Aroma in the cup, enhanced: N/A

Taste, enhanced: N/A

2nd Infusion: Lighter color, fainter jasmine, edgier

Chilled: Lighter color, fainter jasmine, edgier

Comments:
First, we want to point out that we bought this tea at a local store about 4 years ago. We have had some of the tea during those years but mostly drink black tea, so this sat in our cupboard all that time. The tea was kept sealed and dry, though. When we opened the package for this tasting, the wonderful aroma of jasmine burst out strong and fragrant, just like it did on that first tasting years ago. That’s remarkable and great news for the cost conscious among us. The container is a simple cardboard cylinder with metal ends. The tea is in a plastic bag inside the container. We put a clip on the plastic bag to keep it airtight. Simple, low cost, and effective, like the plastic pouches some other companies use.

Plain in the cup, that jasmine aroma emanates strongly from the brownish yellow liquid. The flavor, though, is mild with a buttery feel and no bitterness. This tea, a Chinese green, is very different from the Japanese greens (Kabuse Sencha and Houjicha) we tried recently. We found it refreshing, soothing, and calming. The 2nd infusion was slightly lighter in color with a fainter jasmine aroma and an edgier feel in the mouth, not buttery.

Chilled, the tea is a bit cloudy in appearance (purely an aesthetic consideration that has nothing to do with the quality and taste of the tea). The Jasmine fragrance is still evident, though fainter than when the tea is hot. Definitely needs sweetener to avoid bitterness. I recommend adding it when the tea is still hot and before chilling.

What’s most amazing is that this tea cost us $2.00 for 2.11 ounces back when we bought it. Quite economical compared to other teas. The cost per cup is mere pennies. If you like Jasmine green tea, definitely give this one a try. No claims about organic, fair trade, ethical partnerships, or the latest fad. Just great tea and value for your tea dollar. As consumers, that’s what matters most to us.

Disclaimer: We bought this tea at a local store. However, No matter if purchased or a free sample, the rating of the tea and any opinions concerning it are always strictly objective.