Organic Superior West Lake Dragon Well

Amount: 1 teaspoon per 8 oz of water

Water temperature: 175°F (avoid boiling water, it speeds up extraction and can make the tea bitter fast)

Steep time: 1 to 2 minutes

A few tips:

• Filtered water makes a noticeable difference with delicate green teas, especially if your tap water is heavily chlorinated.
• These leaves re-steep beautifully, up to four times. The later steeps tend to get rounder and a little sweeter.
• You can steep directly in your cup with a strainer or infuser basket. No teapot required.
• If boiling water is all you have, cut the steep time down to about 30 seconds. The higher temperature pulls flavor out faster, so less time compensates.
• Skip the milk and sweetener on your first cup so you can taste the natural orchid and semi-sweet notes.

Dragon Well has been used in China for centuries, and it's still prescribed today in parts of China and Hong Kong for people dealing with upper respiratory illness. Dragon well Green Tea can be used to help with colds, influenza, bronchitis, laryngitis, chest congestion, and asthma. The West Lake region's soil is naturally rich in theobromine, a compound known to help relax and open up the bronchioles and support circulation, which is a big part of what makes authentic Xi Hu Longjing different from Dragon Well grown elsewhere.

Beyond its respiratory tradition, it carries the antioxidant benefits you'd expect from a quality green tea, including EGCG, which research continues to explore for overall wellness. It also provides moderate caffeine alongside L-theanine, which many people find gives calm, focused energy rather than the jitteriness that can come with coffee.

Because this tea is USDA Certified Organic, it's grown without synthetic pesticides or herbicides, worth noting if you're drinking it daily or using it to feel better when you're sick.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

How do I know I'm getting real West Lake Dragon Well and not a lookalike? 

This is actually worth paying attention to. Authentic Xi Hu Longjing comes from a protected growing area around West Lake in Hangzhou. There are other teas with flat, pan-fired leaves that can look and taste similar, but they won't have the same nutrient profile from that specific soil. Our Dragon Well is sourced directly from that region.

What is Dragon Well tea, and how is it different from other green teas? 

Dragon Well, also known as Longjing (pronounced "lung-jing"), is a pan-fired Chinese green tea from the West Lake region of Hangzhou. The pan-firing process gives it a flat shape and a smooth, floral flavor that's very different from steamed Japanese teas like Sencha or Gyokuro. It's one of China's Ten Famous Teas and has been treasured for well over a thousand years.

Is this tea actually from the West Lake region of Hangzhou? 

Yes. Authentic West Lake Dragon Well, or Xi Hu Longjing, comes from a protected growing area around West Lake in Hangzhou. That specific origin is a big part of what makes the tea taste the way it does. Our Dragon Well is sourced from that region.

What does "Superior" mean in the name? 

It refers to the grade of the harvest. Superior grade Dragon Well is picked in early spring from tender young leaves and buds, which produce a cleaner, sweeter, more nuanced cup than later-harvest or lower-grade versions.

Is this tea USDA Certified Organic? 

Yes. This Dragon Well is USDA Certified Organic, grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers.

How much caffeine does Dragon Well have? 

It's on the moderate end for green tea. Spring-harvested green teas do contain caffeine, don’t drink it at night because it has as much as coffee. The natural presence of L-theanine in the tea is part of why many people find it gives them calm, focused energy rather than a jolt.

Can I re-steep the leaves? 

Absolutely, and we recommend it. Dragon Well re-steeps well. The second steep often brings out a rounder, slightly sweeter character. 

How should I store my Dragon Well? 

Keep it in a cool, dry spot away from light, moisture, and strong odors. Reseal the packaging between uses. 

When is the best time of day to drink Dragon Well?

It's light enough for the morning and calming enough for an afternoon break. It pairs well with light meals, fruit, pastries, or a quiet few minutes to yourself. If you're sensitive to caffeine, you may want to stick to morning or early afternoon.

• Taste: Smooth, semi-sweet, clean finish
• Aroma: Asparagus-like, floral, lightly vegetal
• Liquor Color: Clear, golden-green, like sunlight through a meadow
• Body: Light to medium
• Caffeine Level: moderate
• Finish: Gentle, sweet, no bitterness

Dragon Well sits in its own category among green teas. It doesn't have the sharp grassiness you find in many Japanese green teas, and it's lighter than a deep-steamed Sencha. It's softer, more floral, and easy to drink at any time of day. Worth noting: the liquor doesn't look bright green in the cup, that's totally normal.

Organic West Lake Dragon Well Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)

Sourced from the West Lake region, Hangzhou, China. USDA Certified Organic.

No additives, flavors, or preservatives. Contains caffeine.