There are so many varieties of tea that it can be intimidating at first. I thought it might be fun to start a series highlighting teas that fit certain flavor profiles, making it easier to find one you might enjoy based on the flavors you already enjoy. First up are teas that naturally have floral flavors. If you like things that taste like lavender and rose, then these teas are for you!
Jasmine-Scented Green Tea
One of the first floral teas that many people encounter is jasmine-scented green tea. It is commonly served in Chinese restaurants here in the United States. Green tea leaves are repeatedly layered with freshly picked jasmine flowers until the tea absorbs the aroma. A popular version of this tea uses leaves that have been rolled into pearls. It has a lovely floral flavor but can become bitter easily. Use a lower brewing temperature to temper that aspect.
Bai Mu Dan
Bai Mu Dan is a type of Chinese white tea, whose name translates to ‘white peony’. It is made with a mixture of unopened buds and larger leaves. The taste is delicate, mellow, and sweet with floral and fruity notes. It’s a very easy-going tea, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different water temperatures and ways of brewing. One of my favorite ways to enjoy Bai Mu Dan is grandpa style.
Mi Lan Xiang
Oolongs in general tend to have more floral flavors, but Phoenix oolongs are among some of my favorites. Mi Lan Xiang, or Honey Orchid Fragrance, is probably the most well-known variety. It is a complex and aromatic tea with notes of honey, orchids, and stonefruit. Phoenix oolongs can be a little fussier to brew, so it is best to prepare them gongfu style and start with flash steeps. You’ll be able to get many infusions out of a single gaiwan or small teapot.
Shan Lin Xi
Nantou County in Taiwan produces a rolled style of oolong called Shan Lin Xi that is a must-try for those who enjoy floral flavors. It is grown at high elevation, so the tea plants are shrouded in clouds and mist throughout the day. This makes the tea sweeter and more aromatic. The taste is buttery and smooth with a clear and crisp floral note. It can be roasted, which gives it a nuttier character.
1st Flush Darjeeling
Not many black teas have floral flavors, but 1st Flush Darjeeling certainly does. The taste is light, bright, and floral with fruity notes. Based on the appearance of the leaves, you might think it is a green or white tea. That is because it undergoes a hard wither during processing. The process is expedited by warm air, causing the leaves to lose moisture quickly. This slows oxidation, giving the finished tea a greener appearance.
What are some of your favorite teas with floral flavors? Have you tried any of the varieties on this list? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Help Support This Site
Please support my work in tea by joining my Patreon community. For $2-$5 a month, you’ll receive access to exclusive behind-the-scenes content, my private Discord server, surprise quarterly packages, and more!