When Brewing dragon well tea, many techniques and equipment can be used to achieve a unique and enjoyable cup of tea. For example, some people prefer a Gaiwan, while others may opt for a teapot or teacup. The water temperature and steeping time can also vary depending on individual preference and the type of dragon tea brewed.

This diversity in brewing methods makes tea an alluring and fascinating drink, as everyone can customize it to suit their tastes and preferences. In this blog, we’ll explore different ways to brew dragonwell.

The Chinese style of brewing dragonwell tea can be broadly categorized into 4 main types.

• Top Drop Brewing Method (上投法): Leaf on the Top
• Bottom Drop Brewing Method (下投法): Leaf on the Bottom
• Mid Drop Brewing Method (中投法): Leaf in the Middle 
• Traditional Chinese Method: Gaiwan Brewing Method

Top Drop Brewing Method (上投法): Leaf on the Top

• Warm the glass teacup with hot water and discard.
• Pour water at around 85⁰C into the glass, filling it up to approximately 70% of its capacity.
• Add dragon well into the glass, using a tea-to-water ratio of about 1:50.
• Let the tea steep for 3-5 minutes.
• Consume the tea until the liquid reaches about 1/3 of the glass, then refill it.

Mid Drop Brewing Method (中投法): Leaf in the Middle 

• Warm the pot with hot water and discard.
• Add hot water to about 1/3 of the glass teacup, around 85⁰C.
• Add dragonwell tea into the glass, using a tea-to-water ratio of about 1:50.
• Gently swirl the glass teacup to wet the leaves thoroughly, fill the rest of the water from a high distance, and wait 2-3 mins to enjoy.

Mid Drop Brewing Method (下投法): Leaf on the Bottom

• Warm the glass teacup with hot water and discard.
• Add dragon well into the glass, using a tea-to-water ratio of about 1:50.
• Add 1/4 hot water of approximately 85⁰C, and gently swirl the glass teacup for about 30 seconds to wet the leaves thoroughly, and let them stretch naturally.
• After the tea leaves are slightly stretched, add hot water to 90% full and wait 3-5 minutes.

Traditional Chinese Method: Gaiwan Brewing Method

The traditional Chinese brewing of Longjing tea involves using a gaiwan, a small lidded bowl.

• Preheating your gaiwan by filling it with hot water and discarding the water used for rinsing.
• Add 5-7 grams of Longjing tea leaves to the gaiwan and gently shake the Gaiwan to appreciate the fragrance.
• Quickly rinse and fill the gaiwan with hot water at around 85°C, and let it steep for about 30 seconds to a minute.
• Refill the Gaiwan with hot water and repeat the brewing process 3-5 times, gradually increasing the steeping time by 30 seconds or more each time per taste.