Quick answer
Brew Dragon Pearl Jasmine at 175–185°F (80–85°C) for 2–3 minutes, using about one teaspoon of pearls per 8–12 ounces of water. Avoid boiling water and don’t stir or crush the pearls; they unfurl as they steep.
Why rolled pearls need a gentler pour
Dragon Pearl Jasmine is made of hand-rolled pearls that slowly open when hot water hits them. If you pour aggressively or use water that’s too hot, the outer leaves can turn bitter before the center fully infuses. A gentle pour and a slightly lower temperature give the pearls time to unfurl evenly, so the floral sweetness comes through without astringency.
The trade-off: convenience vs. control
Sachets are the easiest way to enjoy Dragon Pearl Jasmine, but loose pearls give you more control over strength. If you’re using sachets, you can still follow the same temperature and timing; just know that the leaf may expand a little differently. For a stronger cup, steep longer rather than adding more pearls—overleafing can make the jasmine aroma feel heavy.
Step-by-step brewing method
- Heat water to 175–185°F (80–85°C): Bring water to a boil, then let it rest for 2–3 minutes before pouring. If you have a thermometer, aim for 180°F. Common mistake: using fully boiling water, which can scorch the delicate leaves and make the tea bitter. No thermometer? Let boiled water sit for about 3 minutes.
- Measure one teaspoon of pearls per cup: Use about one teaspoon of Dragon Pearl Jasmine pearls for every 8–12 ounces of water. If you’re using a sachet, use one sachet per 12 oz. cup as directed. Common mistake: packing the infuser too full, which prevents the pearls from expanding. Leave room for the pearls to unfurl—fill your infuser no more than halfway.
- Pour gently over the pearls: Pour the heated water slowly over the pearls rather than blasting them with a strong stream. This helps them open gradually. Common mistake: stirring or pressing the pearls, which can bruise the leaves and release bitterness. Let the pearls steep undisturbed; no stirring needed.
- Steep for 2–3 minutes: Start tasting at 2 minutes. For a lighter cup, stop at 2 minutes; for more floral depth, go to 3 minutes. Common mistake: steeping beyond 3 minutes on the first infusion, which can bring out astringency. Set a timer—don’t rely on color alone, since the liquor is pale.
- Remove the tea and enjoy: Lift out the infuser or sachet and let the tea drain. If you want a second cup, you can re-steep the same pearls at the same temperature for 2–3 minutes, though the flavor will be lighter. Common mistake: leaving the leaves sitting in the water, which continues extracting and can turn the tea harsh. Re-steep only if you enjoyed the first cup; adjust time for the second.
Product facts
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Dragon Pearl Jasmine, Classic Tin of 20 Sachets: Each Classic tin contains 20 sachets, and each sachet brews one 12 oz. cup. That pre-measured portion takes the guesswork out of leaf ratio, so you can focus on water temperature and steep time.
Dragon Pearl Jasmine, Classic Tin of 20 Sachets
