Dragon Pearls Jasmine Premium Green Tea

Dragon Pearls green tea, also known as Jasmine Dragon Pearls, is a premium Chinese green tea celebrated for its unique appearance, exquisite flavor, and captivating aroma. Originating from the Fujian Province of China, this tea is meticulously crafted and infused with the fragrance of jasmine flowers, making it a beloved choice among tea enthusiasts.

Dragon Pearls Jasmine Premium tea is crafted using a traditional processing technology consisting of five rounds of aromatization, followed by one final aroma with more intense flowers, ensuring that each pearl fully absorbs the floral aroma.

If you'd like to know what drinking this tea is like, you can read this: Dragon Pearls Jasmine Green Tea - A Dance of the Pearls

Characteristics

1. Flavor and Aroma:
   - Delicate and Floral: The primary characteristic of Dragon Pearls is its delicate jasmine aroma, which is light and soothing.
   - Sweet and Fresh: The flavor is sweet, fresh, and smooth, with subtle grassy undertones typical of high-quality green tea. The jasmine adds a layer of sweetness and floral complexity.
   - Refreshing Aftertaste: It leaves a clean, refreshing aftertaste that lingers pleasantly on the palate.

2. Appearance:
   - Hand-Rolled Pearls: The tea leaves are hand-rolled into small, pearl-like balls. Each pearl consists of young green tea leaves and buds.
   - White Downy Hairs: High-quality Dragon Pearls often have fine white downy hairs on the buds, indicating their tenderness and quality.
   - Green to Silvery Color: The dry pearls are a vibrant green to silvery color, which unfurls to reveal whole leaves when brewed.

3. Cultivation and Harvest:
   - Spring Harvest: The best Dragon Pearls are harvested in the early spring when the leaves and buds are young and tender.
   - Jasmine Scenting Process: After harvesting, the green tea leaves are layered with fresh jasmine blossoms overnight. This process is repeated multiple times, sometimes up to seven times, to ensure the tea absorbs the jasmine fragrance.

4. Processing:
   - Withering and Rolling: The tea leaves are withered and then hand-rolled into pearls. This step is crucial for shaping and ensuring the tea maintains its delicate structure.
   - Scenting: The rolled pearls are repeatedly scented with fresh jasmine flowers, which imparts the tea with its characteristic floral aroma.

More about Jasmine Tea and its production.

Tasting Notes

When brewing Dragon Pearls green tea, you can expect:
- Initial Infusion: A clear, pale yellow-green liquor with a pronounced jasmine aroma and a sweet, fresh flavor.
- Subsequent Infusions: The jasmine fragrance may become more subtle, while the green tea's natural vegetal and slightly nutty notes become more pronounced.
- Balanced Experience: A harmonious balance between the sweet floral jasmine and the fresh, slightly grassy green tea.

Health Benefits

Dragon Pearls green tea offers several health benefits, such as:
- Antioxidants: Rich in catechins and polyphenols, which help combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
- Relaxation: The soothing jasmine aroma can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- Heart Health: May contribute to improved cardiovascular health by reducing cholesterol levels and improving blood circulation.
- Digestive Aid: Known to aid in digestion and support gut health.

Brewing Tips

Chinese Gongfu Method (5oz / 150ml):

1. Tea Leaf-to-Water Ratio: Use approximately 6 grams of Dragon Pearls Jasmine Green Tea for 150 ml (5 oz) of water. This ratio allows for a higher concentration suitable for Gongfu brewing.

2. Water Temperature: Heat water to around 80-85°C (176-185°F). This temperature range helps to preserve the delicate jasmine and green tea flavors without overpowering them.

3. Brewing Time:
   - First Infusion: Steep for about 30-40 seconds. This initial short steeping time allows the tightly rolled pearls to unfurl and release their flavors gradually, while allowing the jasmine aroma to infuse into the water.
   - Subsequent Infusions: Increase the steeping time slightly for each subsequent infusion. For example, steep for 40-50 seconds for the second infusion, then adjust based on taste preference. Dragon Pearls Jasmine Green Tea can typically be steeped multiple times (2-3 infusions or more) using this method, with each infusion maintaining its delicate balance of jasmine and green tea flavors.

Cup Method (8.8oz / 250ml):

1. Tea Leaf-to-Water Ratio: Adjust based on personal preference for tea strength. 

2. Water Temperature: Use water at around 80-85°C (176-185°F), similar to Gongfu brewing.

3. Brewing Time:
   - Steep Time: Steep Dragon Pearls Jasmine Green Tea for 2-3 minutes. This longer steeping time allows the pearls to fully unfurl and release their jasmine aroma and green tea flavors into the larger volume of water.

Cultural Significance

Dragon Pearls green tea is not just a beverage but a symbol of Chinese tea culture. The meticulous hand-rolling process and the delicate jasmine scenting reflect the artistry and tradition of Chinese tea craftsmanship. It is often enjoyed during special occasions and as a symbol of hospitality and refinement.

In summary, Dragon Pearls green tea is a premium Chinese tea that offers a delightful sensory experience with its enchanting jasmine aroma, sweet and fresh flavor, and visually appealing pearl-like appearance. It is a testament to the skill and tradition of Chinese tea makers, providing a soothing and enjoyable tea-drinking experience.

• Collected: 2024
• Origin: Fuding, Zhejiang Province, China
• Taste: refreshing, sweet aftertaste, jasmine aroma, a rare treat for Jasmine tea lovers.