How to Brew Dragon Well Green Tea: Temperature, Leaf Amount, and Steeping Times

Quick Answer

For Dragon Well green tea, use 3 grams of leaves per 6 fluid ounces of water heated to 165°F. Steep for 2 minutes, then remove the leaves. Adjust the leaf amount to taste, but keep the temperature and time consistent to avoid bitterness.

Dragon Well, also known as Longjing, is China's most famous green tea. Its flat, sword-shaped leaves produce a sweet, vegetal brew with a hint of chestnut. But getting that perfect cup depends on three things: water temperature, leaf amount, and steeping time.

This guide walks you through each step, with practical tips to avoid common mistakes. Whether you're new to green tea or a seasoned drinker, you'll learn how to brew Dragon Well that's smooth, flavorful, and never bitter.

Why Temperature Matters

Green tea leaves are delicate. Boiling water can scorch them, releasing bitter compounds and muting the sweet, vegetal flavors. For Dragon Well, aim for water around 165°F. This temperature is hot enough to extract flavor but gentle enough to preserve the tea's natural sweetness.

If you don't have a temperature-controlled kettle, bring water to a boil and let it cool for about 2 minutes. Or, use a thermometer to check. The right temperature makes a noticeable difference—too hot, and the tea tastes harsh; too cool, and it may taste flat.

• Tip: Use filtered water for the cleanest taste.

Getting the Leaf Amount Right

The standard ratio is 3 grams of Dragon Well leaves for every 6 fluid ounces of water. That's roughly one heaping teaspoon. If you prefer a stronger cup, you can add a little more leaf, but avoid overloading—too many leaves can make the tea overly astringent.

A kitchen scale gives the most accurate measurement, but a teaspoon works fine for everyday brewing. Remember that the leaf amount affects both strength and body, so adjust gradually until you find your ideal balance.

• Tip: Start with the standard ratio and tweak from there.

Steeping Time: The Key to Balance

Steep Dragon Well for 2 minutes. This is enough time to extract the characteristic sweet, vegetal notes without pulling out too much bitterness. Set a timer—eyeballing it often leads to over-steeping.

After 2 minutes, remove the leaves or pour the tea through a strainer. Leaving the leaves in the water will continue the extraction, making the tea stronger and more bitter. If you want a second infusion, you can resteep the leaves for a shorter time, like 1 minute, as the flavor will be milder.

• Tip: Use a timer to avoid over-steeping.

Step-by-Step Brewing Guide

1. Heat water to 165°F: Use a thermometer or let boiling water cool for a couple of minutes. Avoid using boiling water directly. Checkpoint: The water should be hot but not steaming vigorously.
2. Measure 3 grams of leaves: Use a scale for accuracy, or a heaping teaspoon for a close approximation. Place the leaves in your teapot or cup. Checkpoint: The leaves should fill about a teaspoon, not packed tight.
3. Pour water over the leaves: Pour the heated water gently over the leaves, ensuring they're fully submerged. Use about 6 fluid ounces. Checkpoint: The leaves should float and slowly sink as they hydrate.
4. Steep for 2 minutes: Set a timer and let the tea steep. Do not stir or agitate the leaves during steeping. Checkpoint: The liquor should be a pale, golden green.
5. Strain and enjoy: Remove the leaves or pour the tea through a strainer into your cup. Sip and adjust future brews to taste. Checkpoint: The tea should taste sweet and vegetal, not bitter.

Teas to Try

• Maojian: A traditional Chinese green tea, rolled into fine, pointed leaves that reflect its name and craftsmanship. Harvested from developed leaves, it offers a calming and mellow vegetal character. If you enjoy Dragon Well's vegetal sweetness, Maojian offers a similar mellow profile with a different leaf shape and texture, perfect for exploring other Chinese green teas.
• Master's Collection | Kagoshima Matcha: Stoned milled from the Asatsuyu, Saemidori, Yutakamidori, and Yabukita cultivars. It is intently rich and creamy, with subtle sweet roasted notes. For a change from loose-leaf green tea, this matcha provides a creamy, umami-rich experience—ideal for those who want a more intense, whisked green tea.

Brewing Dragon Well green tea well is about control: the right temperature, the right amount of leaves, and the right time. With these steps, you'll get a consistently delicious cup that highlights the tea's natural sweetness. Experiment with the leaf amount to find your perfect strength, and enjoy the process.