Ceremonial Jasmine Tea

Instructions

1. Prepare the teaware
   Rinse your teapot and cups with hot water to warm them. This helps maintain the tea's temperature during brewing and drinking, which is essential for releasing the full flavor profile of jasmine tea.
2. Heat the water
   Bring filtered water to approximately 175-185°F (80-85°C), just below boiling point. Water that is too hot will scorch the delicate jasmine leaves and create a bitter taste.
3. Measure and rinse the tea
   Measure 2 tablespoons of jasmine pearl tea leaves and place them in the teapot. Pour a small amount of the heated water over the leaves, swirl gently for 5 seconds, then discard this water. This 'awakens' the tea leaves and removes any dust.
4. First infusion
   Pour the heated water into the teapot, covering the leaves completely. Place the lid on the teapot and let the tea steep for exactly 2 minutes. The pearls will slowly unfurl, releasing their aroma.
5. Serve ceremonially
   Pour the tea into each cup in a circular motion, distributing the tea evenly among all cups. In traditional service, fill each cup only one-third full initially, then go back and top off each cup to ensure equal strength in each serving.
6. Subsequent infusions
   Jasmine pearls can be infused multiple times. For the second infusion, steep for 2.5 minutes. For the third infusion, steep for 3 minutes. Each infusion will yield a subtly different flavor profile, with later infusions being more delicate.