How to Brew Dragon Balls: A Guide to Unlocking Flavor and Elegance
Dragon balls are a delightful way to explore new teas, especially pressed varieties, without committing to a large amount or budget. These tightly compressed spheres are not only visually appealing but also offer a unique brewing experience. In this blog post, we’ll dive into how to brew dragon balls, with tips to make the most out of their unique structure.
Why Dragon Balls Are Perfect for Tea Lovers
Dragon balls are ideal for those who want to experiment with different teas. Since they come in small, compressed forms—usually around 4g—they're a budget-friendly way to sample high-quality teas. Plus, their aesthetic appeal makes them a charming addition to any tea session.The Brewing Process: A Balance of Patience and Flavor
Brewing dragon balls requires a slightly different approach compared to loose leaf teas, especially in the first steep. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1.The ‘Cooking’ Process in the First Brew
The key difference when brewing dragon balls is the longer time it takes for the leaves to unfurl. Unlike loose tea, you won’t break apart the dragon ball before brewing, so patience is essential.
- Cover the lid: To allow the tea to open up properly, cover the vessel and let the dragon ball steep in hot water for longer during the first brew.
- Check for readiness: You can peek inside to see if the innermost leaves are starting to unfurl. If they’re still tightly packed, give it more time.
2. Brewing in a Larger Vessel
For dragon balls, using a larger vessel is often more effective. A teapot of around 250-300ml works well for a 4g dragon ball, giving the tea space to expand fully and release its flavors.
- Western-style brewing: Unlike traditional Gongfucha, where shorter brews are the norm, dragon balls benefit from a slightly more Western-style brewing method due to the longer infusion time required for the first steep.
3. Subsequent Brews: Quicker and More Flavorful
Once the dragon ball has opened up, the subsequent brews can be much shorter. The leaves will have fully expanded by this time, allowing for quicker steeps, similar to Gongfucha.
Final Thoughts
Dragon balls are a fun and budget-friendly way to explore pressed teas. Their aesthetic appeal and unique brewing method offer a different tea experience, combining the elegance of Gongfucha with the convenience of Western-style brewing. With patience during the first brew and shorter subsequent infusions, you'll unlock the full complexity and depth of these tiny, yet powerful, tea spheres. Happy brewing!
Find HERE our dragonball collection. You are in for a tea candy treat.