Jasmine scented green teas, along with houjicha, are the teas we turn to most often when in need of a calming and refreshing tea. And in terms of the former, this T2 Buddhas Tears is one our favourites.

The tea is looseleaf jasmine scented green tea, shaped into pearls that slowly unfurl when steeped.

Steeping 3 g of looseleaf (around 10 tears) in 200 mL of water at 80°C for 3 minutes, the infusion was a clear light straw colour with a fragrant aroma of jasmine. Served hot, mellow buttery notes of roasted green tea came through with a gentle sweetness followed swiftly by delicate floral notes of the jasmine that build to prominence in the body before leaving a clean finish with no lingering aftertaste. Overall, the tea was fragrant yet delicate with a smooth mouthfeel, making it an elegant tea that’s calming and refreshing — perfect for all occasions.

Compared to other brands that we’ve tried (but have yet to review), this one from T2 uses about half the number of tears required to steep a tea of similar strength. That said, these pearls unfurl much faster than similar teas packed or purchased in China, whose leaves retain their long needle-shape without unfurling completely after the first steep.

This T2 Buddhas Tears contained 100 g. The tea originated in China and was received as a gift from family in Sydney, Australia in 2018.