Osmanthus green tea is a popular type of Chinese green tea that is blended with osmanthus flowers. One of the most famous osmanthus green teas is Osmanthus Dragon Well, which is a blend of osmanthus flowers and Longjing green tea. This tea has a unique floral aroma and a slightly sweet taste that makes it a favorite among tea lovers. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Osmanthus Dragon Well green tea, its history, production, flavor profile, health benefits, and brewing tips.
History of Osmanthus Dragon Well Green Tea
Osmanthus Dragon Well green tea has a long and rich history that dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). During this time, osmanthus flowers were already being used to flavor tea. It was only during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) that Longjing green tea was introduced, and the two were blended together to create Osmanthus Dragon Well green tea. The tea was highly favored by the royal court and soon became popular among the common people.
Production of Osmanthus Dragon Well Green Tea
Osmanthus Dragon Well green tea is a blend of two types of tea: Longjing green tea and osmanthus flowers. The Longjing tea leaves are harvested in the early spring and then processed using a traditional method that involves withering, roasting, and shaping. The osmanthus flowers are harvested in the late summer and then mixed with the Longjing tea leaves in a ratio of 1:10. The tea is then stored in airtight containers to allow the tea leaves to absorb the fragrance of the osmanthus flowers.
Flavor Profile of Osmanthus Dragon Well Green Tea
Osmanthus Dragon Well green tea has a unique flavor profile that combines the delicate and nutty taste of Longjing green tea with the sweet and floral aroma of osmanthus flowers. The tea has a pale yellow color and a smooth and refreshing taste with a subtle sweetness. The aroma of the tea is dominated by the fragrance of the osmanthus flowers, which gives the tea a floral and fruity scent.
Health Benefits of Osmanthus Dragon Well Green Tea
Osmanthus Dragon Well green tea offers a range of health benefits that are associated with both green tea and osmanthus flowers. The tea is rich in antioxidants, which help to protect the body against free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. The tea is also believed to boost the immune system, improve digestion, and promote healthy skin. Osmanthus flowers are known for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and are often used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat coughs, sore throats, and other respiratory ailments.
Brewing Tips for Osmanthus Dragon Well Green Tea
To brew Osmanthus Dragon Well green tea, start by heating water to around 80-85°C (176-185°F). Use a ratio of 2-3 grams of tea per 150ml of water. Rinse the tea leaves with hot water for a few seconds to remove any dust or impurities. Then, steep the tea for 2-3 minutes. The tea can be brewed multiple times, with each infusion revealing new layers of flavor and aroma.
Osmanthus Dragon Well green tea is a unique and flavorful blend of Longjing green tea and osmanthus flowers. The tea offers a range of health benefits and has a delicate and refreshing taste that is perfect for any time of the day. If you’re a fan of green tea and floral teas, then Osmanthus Dragon Well green tea is definitely worth trying, with its long and rich history, unique flavor profile, and health benefits.