Quick Answer

Brew Dragonwell tea with water at 170°F (77°C), using 1 teaspoon of leaves per 8 ounces of water. Steep for 2 to 3 minutes for a smooth, mellow cup. Adjust time to taste, and avoid boiling water to prevent bitterness.

Why Dragonwell Tea Deserves Careful Brewing

Dragonwell tea, also known as Longjing, is a classic Chinese green tea distinguished by its flat, sword-shaped leaves and jade green color. Its delicate flavor profile — fresh, clean, and gently mellow — comes from the unique pan-firing process used during production. Because the leaves are not fully oxidized, they are more fragile than black or oolong teas. Using the right water temperature and steeping time protects the subtle notes and prevents the vegetal bitterness that can occur when green tea is mishandled.

This guide walks you through each step so you can enjoy Dragonwell tea at its best, whether you are new to loose leaf tea or want to refine your technique.

Step-by-Step Brewing Guide for Dragonwell Tea

  1. Step 1: Heat Water to 170°F (77°C): Bring fresh, filtered water to a boil, then let it cool for about 30 seconds. Alternatively, use a kettle with a temperature setting. Boiling water (212°F) will scorch the delicate leaves and produce a harsh, bitter cup. A common mistake is using water that is too hot — always err on the cooler side. Checkpoint: If you don't have a thermometer, bring water to a boil, then let it sit for one minute. This usually brings it close to 170°F.
  2. Step 2: Measure the Leaves: Use about 1 teaspoon of Dragonwell loose leaf tea per 8-ounce cup. Because the leaves are flat and light, you can also use a kitchen scale — 2 to 3 grams per cup is a good target. Too many leaves can make the tea overpowering; too few will result in a weak infusion. Tip: For a stronger cup, add more leaves rather than steeping longer. Oversteeping extracts bitterness instead of flavor.
  3. Step 3: Pour Water and Steep for 2–3 Minutes: Place the leaves in your teapot or infuser and pour the hot water over them. Let them steep for 2 minutes for a mild cup, or up to 3 minutes for a fuller flavor. A common mistake is steeping too long — after 3 minutes, Dragonwell can become astringent. Taste at the 2-minute mark to decide if you want more time. Checkpoint: After the first steep, the leaves can be re-steeped once or twice with slightly hotter water (175°F) and a slightly shorter time (1–2 minutes).

The Tea We Used for This Guide

  • Dragonwell Tea: Sip Dragonwell tea for a legendary experience. This Chinese green tea is prized for its unique, flat, sword-shaped leaves and jade green color. Our Dragonwell tea exhibits a fresh, clean aroma and gentle, mellow flavor. The fresh, clean aroma and gentle flavor are exactly what you want to preserve with careful brewing. Using the correct water temperature and steeping time lets these qualities shine without introducing bitterness.