Ever wonder how Jasmine Pearl Tea is made?  

Jasmine Pearl Green Tea (or Buddha's Tears) consists of young green tea leaves that are rolled into little balls and scented with jasmine flowers or petals. This tea was available as early as the Song Dynasty (960-1279) but was reserved for Royalty and member of the Imperial Court. Today, it is the most famous scented tea in China. 

The tea leaves are harvested in early spring but not used until later summer because Jasmine flowers do not bloom until late summer. The tea is then blended with the flowers and let to rest overnight to allow the flower buds to open. This allows the jasmine fragrance to absorb into the leaves, giving them a subtle jasmine smell. 

This process can be done up to 7 times to intensify the fragrance. Check out this interesting video that shows the time consuming, tedious rolling process:

When brewed in hot water, the leaves of the ball unroll to reveal a flowery scent and light orange, full-bodied brew. A very pretty tea indeed!