Chen Chengzhong, a representative practitioner of Fuzhou jasmine tea scenting techniques. [Photo by Shi Meixiang/WeChat ID: fjrbwx]

The craft of making Fuzhou jasmine tea consists of an intricate process that has been honed over the course of centuries and has been listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

In Fuzhou, Fujian province, when the fresh jasmine flowers are harvested, they are blended with layers of tea leaves, and workers stir the tea leaves and flowers overnight, which allows the leaves to absorb the aromatic scent of the jasmine blossoms.

In the morning, the flowers are sorted, the leaves are dried, and the process is repeated. More repetition makes for a more robust jasmine flavor, and it takes at least nine scenting processes to produce jasmine tea of a superb grade.

Sophisticated scenting techniques create an extraordinary fragrance and smooth taste, which are essential for evaluating top-notch jasmine tea, according to Chen Chengzhong, who has been designated as the representative practitioner of Fuzhou Jasmine tea scenting techniques.

Drinking Fuzhou jasmine tea is truly a treat for the senses. The tea has become very popular, and its elegant fragrance and mellow taste fascinate countless tea drinkers all over the world.