Tea of the Week: Sunflower’s Jasmine Tea

For me, this orange and gold tin conjures up my first memories of Chinese tea. Sunflower’s Jasmine Tea is the classic and basic choice in many Chinese households, like Twinings is in the UK or Lipton is in the US. I can’t be positive, but I don’t think their packaging has ever changed over the past 30 years, and that’s part of this brand’s nostalgic charm…it’s an oldie, but a goodie.

This isn’t an expensive or rare tea–it’s a practical tea, something you can enjoy everyday without breaking the bank. The brew has a nice balance where you can taste the green tea and floral notes equally, without either flavor being more pronounced. You can find it at almost all Chinese grocery stores and definitely somewhere in your local Chinatown. If you are new to Chinese teas, the brew is a must-try. It’s exceptionally popular and pleasing to a variety of palettes.

I never separate or strain the tea leaves apart from my jasmine tea brew. I find it almost therapeutic to see the little cuts of leaves swimming and sinking in my teacup, just like they do when I go out for dim sum or Chinese food. An occasional tea leaf may accidentally sneak by and get swallowed, but take it from a Cantonese girl– the brew really shouldn’t be enjoyed any other way. That being said, over brewing this tea will bring out it’s bitter flavors, so be careful abut your water temperature.

Tasting Notes for Sunflower’s Jasmine Tea:

BREWING TIPS:  Although the package directions say to brew with boiling water, I like to brew this blend at about 160 degrees F, letting the leaves continue to brew as the water temperature cools. A small pinch per cup of water produces a light brew, which is ideally how it should be enjoyed.

THE BLEND:  Brown, thin, twisted tea leaves with a few jasmine flower petals mixed in .

THE SCENT:  Very floral and soft. Not as strong as rose scented tea, but delicate and very slightly perfume-like.

THE STEEP:  The body of the liquor is light but will continue to become heavier as the leaves have a chance to steep longer. Similarly, the brew will start off looking buttery yellow and later become a burnt orange color. When it starts to turn orange, it’s time to top off with more hot water.

GET IT:  The blend is available at Chinese markets, Chinatowns, and even on Amazon!

FOOD PAIRING:  This is the quintessential dim sum tea, so it would go amazingly well with any of my Dim Sum Recipes, but particularly any steamed dumplings like Siu Mai, Ha Gao or Shrimp & Asparagus Pouch Dumplings.

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Bonnie Eng

Yes, it’s a great brand…you should be able to get it at just about any Chinese grocery…will go great with many of your bento creations!

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Nicole Martin

Talk about a blast from the past! My little brother bought me a tin of this for Christmas when I first got into tea. It’s surprisingly good for a tea that is so cheap and easily found.

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Bonnie Eng

So glad that it brings back good memories for you! Certainly not a fancy tea, by I love that it’s pleasing to so many. Thanks for stopping by Nicole…hope all is well! 🙂

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Bonnie Eng

So funny how this tea conjures up childhood memories for so many of us! I hope you do get some of this tea to enjoy Ngan…tried and true, and never disappoints!

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Bonnie Eng

I hope you can find some Vidya! I think you will love it. Would go great with some of your recipes, like your 1-Minute Eggless Microwave Cookies…yum! 😉

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Jenny

This is a wonderful tea, my absolute favourite. I was wondering if you what the difference is between this yellow tin and the red tin?

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Bonnie Eng

Hey Jenny! This is a great question. I’m not sure how many types of tea this company makes in the red tin, but if it’s only one type (and I think it is), the red tin has Lychee Black Tea in it. I love this tea too, and have been drinking for many years now. It’s lightly fruity in a tropical way and darker in color and flavor than the Jasmine. If you love Sunflower’s Jasmine, it’s very possible you’ll love this one too. Highly recommended. 😉 Thanks for stopping by!

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J

They have a red Jasmine which is better than the Yellow. Number on the top of tin is 2063

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Tania

Hi i have been enjoying this tea at work the whole day while working. But would like to know if it is more of a comercial tea since its time in the market or it actually has health benefits?

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Danny

Dear Bonnies ,,,you advise not t over brew,this tea,,,but how do you do that,if the leaves are floating free,,,,do you scoop them out after three minutes,,,,,,or,being a man, ,,have I misunderstood you,,,,,,Danny.

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Randy Warren

I live in Indianapolis, and we have a local international market here, which has an excellent choice of teas from all over the globe. I bought this on a whim, and have to agree with you. It really is a good choice.

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ali waqar

hey there miss Bonnie Eng
i just started to drink jasmine Tea from few days i just wanna know about the difference between Sunflower 1030 and sunflower 3090
what is Exactly difference hope to see you soon

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GlutenFreeGoddess

This is one of my favorite teas I have been drinking forever, but I was recently diagnosed with celiac. Does anyone know if this brand is gluten free? I can’t find the information anywhere. TIA!

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Ange Lampe

Thank you for such a beautifully crafted presentation! I am joyfully surprised at how quickly your inviting and dynamic site has piqued a mysterious curiosity in me to learn my teas!

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