Mar 19, 20203 min read

Bi Tan Piao Xue | MASTERS by Adagio Teas

BI TAN PIAO XUE

(bee-tahn-piow-sheh)

translation: Snow Drop Jasmine

Type: green

Origin: Sichuan, China

Harvest: August 2019

Caffeine: moderate

Steeping Suggestion: 212° for 2 minutes

Bi Tan Piao Xue, also known in English as Snow Drop Jasmine tea, is produced in Sichuan a mainland province in the Xinan Tea Region of China. This region is the most historical tea region in China as it is believed that it is in this tea region that tea originated. Xinan is known for its subtropical monsoon climate of generally warm winters and cool summers.

Bi Tan Piao Xue is a summer harvested tea that is warm like the summer sun in scent. This jasmine green tea is the first that I have ever sipped that contains the beautiful petals of the jasmine flower; these petals add a delicate beauty and sophistication to the tea that only flora could lend. The flavors of jasmine and green tea explode in unison on the palate, subtly, just as the sun rises in an early summer morning.

THE HUE

Bi Tan Piao Xue steeps into a pale-green grasshopper hue, or a translucent green color. It is a refreshing hue considering that I have been steeping very dark liquor tea all winter. The hue is fun and playful, not too serious, but adventurous; like fun-filled summer days.

THE SCENT

LEAVES

A jasmine scented tea with natural sweet aromas; reminiscent of a perfect summer afternoon

LIQUOR

A potent, but not overwhelming, jasmine and green tea scent; reminiscent of a warm summer day

THE SIP

Hario Chacha Kyusu Maru Tea Pot and Infuser

Steep One

Considering that I am not a big fan of jasmine scented teas, I will start by saying that the first sip was quite delightful. Normally, in jasmine tea, I find a potency that is overwhelming and bitter. Bi Tan Piao Xue is soft and delicate like the jasmine petals themselves. The jasmine scent does not overwhelm the green tea notes but rather serves as a compliment. A soft jasmine note is left lingering on the palate well after each sip.

Steep Two

The second steep reveals an even warmer side of the green tea and jasmine duo. Their romance and sophistication go deeper and create a more endearing and less elusive/fleeting sip. The jasmine notes that remain on the palate after steep one sweeten the warm jasmine green tea notes of Bi Tan Piao Xue in steep two.

Steep Three

Steep three of Bi Tan Piao Xue is the finale warm summer jasmine fun. The tea keeps its strength in taste for the most part, or perhaps it’s the lingering jasmine that lends to the last steep. Either way Bi Tan Piao Xue remains a pleasant jasmine and green tea experience up until the last sip.

Bi Tan Piao Xue with Honey:

When I add a teaspoon of Texan honey to a combination of Steeps One and Two of Bi Tan Piao Xue the tea takes on a sweet-tart effect. It reminds me of being a kid during summer and walking to the corner store with $3 worth in quarters to buy candy that was only 10 cents each; I would always make sure to include sweet tarts in my selection. The honey softly sweetens the jasmine notes and smooths out the sharp green tea taste. I like Bi Tan Piao Xue with and without honey, I guess when I’m ready to revisit the innocent candy-hunting wiles of my childhood then I will just add 2 teaspoons of honey.

I enjoy how Bi Tan Piao Xue remains a soft translucent green hue regardless of the steep count. I think it’s a beautiful tea that, oddly, I have chosen to celebrate spring although it sincerely reminds me of delightful summers of the recent and far away past.