How to Brew Jasmine Dragon Pearls for a Floral Green Tea

By The Georgia Tea Company | Published: 2026-10-20

Category: How-to Guides

Learn the ideal water temperature, leaf-to-water ratio, and steeping times for Jasmine Dragon Pearls. Get smooth, floral cups every time.

Quick Answer

Use 175°F water, about 2 grams of pearls per 8 ounces, and steep for 2–3 minutes. Re-steep the same leaves up to three times.

Why Water Temperature Matters

Jasmine Dragon Pearls are made from young green tea leaves, which are more delicate than mature leaves. Boiling water will scorch them and release bitter compounds. Keeping the water below boiling preserves the tea's natural sweetness and the jasmine's floral aroma.

If you don't have a thermometer, bring water to a boil and let it rest for about 2 minutes. This usually brings it down to the right range. Alternatively, use a kettle with temperature control if you have one.

Choosing Your Brewing Vessel

A gaiwan or small teapot works best because the pearls need room to unfurl. A standard mug also works if you use a strainer or infuser. The key is to give the leaves space to expand and release their flavor fully.

For multiple infusions, a gaiwan is ideal. Its wide opening lets you watch the pearls open and control your steep times easily. A teapot with a built-in strainer is a convenient alternative.

Step-by-Step Brewing Instructions

Measure the leaves: Use about 2 grams (roughly 1 teaspoon) of Jasmine Dragon Pearls per 8-ounce cup. Too many pearls will make the tea strong and bitter. Start with less tea if you prefer a lighter cup; you can always add more next time.
Heat the water: Heat water to 175°F (80°C). If you don't have a thermometer, boil water and let it sit for 2 minutes before pouring. Check the temperature with a thermometer once to calibrate your resting time.
Rinse the pearls (optional): Pour a small amount of hot water over the pearls and swirl gently, then discard immediately. This wakes up the leaves and removes any dust. Do not steep during the rinse—it should be just a quick pass.
Steep for 2–3 minutes: Pour the hot water over the pearls and set a timer for 2 minutes. Taste at 2 minutes; if you want a stronger cup, steep up to 3 minutes total. Longer steeping increases bitterness; adjust time rather than adding more leaves.
Strain and enjoy: Pour the tea through a strainer into your cup, or remove the infuser. The pearls will have unfurled, releasing their floral aroma and smooth flavor. Reserve the leaves for re-steeping.
Re-steep for more cups: Add fresh hot water to the same pearls and steep for 2–3 minutes again. You can repeat this up to three times, adding 15–30 seconds to each subsequent steep. The second and third infusions often reveal different floral notes, so taste each one.

About the Tea

Jasmine Dragon Pearls: Jasmine Dragon Pearls are hand-rolled from young green tea leaves scented 8–10 times with fresh jasmine blossoms. The multiple scenting and hand-rolling mean the leaves are delicate and need gentle brewing to reveal their smooth, floral character without bitterness.
Jasmine Dragon Pearls