Q&A for How to Make Jasmine Tea

It depends on how strong you like your tea, but usually you would only steep green tea for a couple minutes.

You should use 1–2 jasmine sticks (or 1–2 teaspoons of dried jasmine flowers) per 250 ml (8 oz) of water. For best results, let the water cool slightly to 80–85°C (176–185°F) before steeping for 3–5 minutes, and then adjust to your taste.

You likely experienced contamination combined with improper storage conditions. Common causes include incomplete drying of the flowers, using non-sterile containers, storing the tea in a warm, sealed environment, or exposure to airborne spores. To prevent this, ensure jasmine flowers are thoroughly dry before storage, use clean, dry jars, cool the tea completely before sealing, and store it airtight in a cool, dark place. Always discard moldy batches completely, as mold can penetrate beyond what is visible.

You can use a variety of safe edible flowers for tea. These include chamomile (calming, apple-like), lavender (floral, strong—use sparingly), rose petals (fragrant; avoid roses treated with pesticides), hibiscus (tart, makes a deep red brew), calendula (marigold) (mild, slightly peppery), chrysanthemum (sweet, floral—popular in Asia), cornflower (mild, decorative), elderflower (delicate, floral), linden (lime blossom) (mellow, honeyed), and orange blossom/neroli (aromatic, citrusy). Always use culinary-grade, pesticide-free flowers. Begin with a small amount (a pinch to 1 tsp per cup) and steep for 3–5 minutes; you can blend them with tea leaves or other herbs/flowers as desired.

Yes, you can create a floral infusion (tisane) using only jasmine flowers, though it will differ from classic jasmine tea, which typically combines jasmine with green or black tea. To prepare it, use 1-2 teaspoons of dried organic jasmine flowers (or 1 tablespoon fresh) per 8-ounce cup. Pour water at 175-185°F (80-85°C) for delicate aroma or 195°F (90-95°C) for sturdier dried flowers, then steep for 3-5 minutes, adjusting to taste. Strain and enjoy plain, lightly sweetened, or with lemon, keeping in mind that this purely floral infusion will be lighter in flavor and naturally caffeine-free.

You can blend jasmine with several flowers for a mixed floral tea, considering flavor balance and complementary notes. For a single cup, use 1-2 teaspoons of jasmine and the suggested amount of the other flower: Rose petals (1 tsp for a rich, sweet depth), Chrysanthemum (1 tsp for a soft, honeyed taste), Lavender (1/8–1/4 tsp for a potent herbal note), Chamomile (1 tsp for an apple-like, calming quality), Hibiscus (1 tsp for a tart, bright flavor), and Linden blossom (1 tsp for a honeyed, gentle companion).