Dragonwell Harvests

Summary

In this video, we explore the different styles and grades of Dragon Well (Longjing) green tea, one of China's most renowned varieties. We discuss key factors in choosing high-quality tea, including harvest date and roasting techniques. The video highlights the four main grades of Dragon Well tea, from the premium Straighten Priest to the more mature You-Ho. Additionally, we showcase Red Blossom’s Dragon Well collection, featuring ultra-premium, lightly roasted leaves with fresh, buttery flavors. Whether you're a seasoned tea enthusiast or a newcomer, this guide helps you understand the delicate balance of taste, harvest, and craftsmanship.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dragon Ball (Longjing) is China's most famous green tea, originating from the hills outside Hangzhou in Zhejiang province.
• 😀 Unlike most green teas, Dragon Ball is pan-roasted, giving it a unique shape and a toasty flavor that complements the freshness of the leaves.
• 😀 The quality of Dragon Ball tea is determined by two key factors: harvest date and roast intensity.
• 😀 High-quality Dragon Ball is hand-harvested in early spring before mid-April to ensure the youngest, freshest leaves are picked.
• 😀 The four main grades of Dragon Ball are: Straighten Priest (pre-March 20), Ming Tian (pre-Qingming Festival), Yu-Chin (pre-rain), and You-Ho (post-rain).
• 😀 The Straighten Priest grade represents the highest quality, harvested from the first new leaves of the year.
• 😀 Ming Tian tea, harvested between March 20 and April 5, is considered one of the top green teas, offering a delicate and refined flavor.
• 😀 Yu-Chin tea, harvested after April 5, has a bolder, grassier flavor, with less sweetness from the earlier harvests.
• 😀 You-Ho tea, harvested after April 20, is considered lower quality, as the leaves have matured too much and become bitter.
• 😀 Roasting is crucial to Dragon Ball's flavor, balancing the richness of the tea. Over-roasting can mask the tea's natural freshness.
• 😀 Red Blossom offers three varieties of Dragon Ball: the Ultra Premium 'Finest Dragon Ball', the slightly bolder 'Pan'an Dragon Ball Supreme', and the traditional 'Pre-Rain Dragon Ball'.

Q & A

What makes Dragon Ball green tea different from other green teas?

Dragon Ball, or Longjing tea, is unique because it is pan-roasted, giving the leaves their distinct shape and toasty flavor. This process contrasts with most green teas, which are typically steamed or baked.

What factors should be considered when selecting Dragon Ball tea?

When selecting Dragon Ball tea, the two main factors to consider are the harvest date and the intensity of the roast. These factors directly influence the tea's flavor and quality.

How does the harvest date affect the quality of Dragon Ball green tea?

The harvest date determines the freshness and tenderness of the leaves. Early spring harvests yield younger, sweeter leaves with minimal bitterness, while later harvests result in older, more bitter leaves.

What is the difference between the four grades of Chinese green tea?

The four grades are based on the harvest date: 'Straighten Priest' (earliest and highest quality), 'Ming Tian' (pre-Qingming), 'Yu-Chin' (pre-rain), and 'You-Ho' (after rain). Each grade has distinct flavor profiles, with the earlier harvests being sweeter and fresher, and the later harvests being bolder and more bitter.

What is the significance of the 'Straighten Priest' grade in Dragon Ball tea?

'Straighten Priest' is the highest grade, harvested before March 20th. It represents the pinnacle of green tea craftsmanship, using only the very first new leaves and leaf buds of the year, ensuring an exceptionally fresh and sweet flavor.

How does roasting influence the flavor of Dragon Ball green tea?

Roasting determines the richness of the tea. A longer roast results in a bolder, nuttier flavor, while a lighter roast preserves the tea’s fresh, delicate taste. Roasting also balances the freshness of the leaves with a toasty finish.

Why is the harvest time so crucial for Dragon Ball tea quality?

Harvesting before mid-April ensures the use of tender, young leaves that are sweet and flavorful. After mid-April, the leaves mature too much, becoming bitter and less flavorful.

What makes Red Blossom's Finest Dragon Ball tea unique?

Red Blossom's Finest Dragon Ball tea is an ultra-premium product, harvested in early March from the first new leaf buds. It requires nearly 30,000 hand-picked buds to produce a single pound, creating a fresh and buttery flavor with a delicate roast.

How does the Panan Dragon Ball Supreme differ from the Finest Dragon Ball?

The Panan Dragon Ball Supreme is harvested in late March from the second picking of leaves. It has a bolder flavor profile, with notes of oat milk and snap pea, and a slightly more pronounced roast compared to the Finest Dragon Ball.

What is Pre-Rain Dragon Ball tea, and how does it differ from the other varieties?

Pre-Rain Dragon Ball is harvested in early April, before the start of the 'gui' solar term. It is a more traditional tea with a medium roast, offering a classic toasted, nutty flavor and a smooth finish, making it ideal for everyday drinking.

How does the roasting process impact the freshness of Dragon Ball tea?

Roasting adds richness to the tea but must be balanced carefully. Over-roasting can mask the natural freshness of the young leaves, while a lighter roast highlights their fresh, buttery taste.