Xue Long Jasmine Snow Dragon

Description

Xue Long Jasmine Snow Dragon (茉莉雪龙) is a jasmine scented green tea that consists of twisted green leaves and silver buds. After picking, it is scented with jasmine blossom. The resulting flavour is bold and rich with a dominant jasmine flavour, fruity notes and a creamy mouthfeel. This Jasmine Xue Long is grown at an altitude of 800-900m at a fully organic tea garden in Fuding, Fujian Province and we source it directly from the producer. April 2023 harvest.

Xue Long Jasmine Snow Dragon is made from a white tea cultivar Fuding Da Hao (福鼎大毫 – Fuding Large Sprout) but is processed like a green tea. This dual heritage is reflected in its name. Xue (雪), meaning Snow, refers to the white hairs on the tea leaves, similar to Xue Ya Snow Bud White Tea. Long (龙), meaning Dragon, refers to the green tea aspect of processing and inadvertently references the famous Dragon Well Long Jing Green Tea – even though the leaves of this tea are twisted rather than flat.

Otherwise the production process follows a classic jasmine green tea recipe of scenting tea leaves with jasmine blossoms. The scenting involves layering tea leaves with fresh jasmine blossom in alternating layers so that the leaves acquire a jasmine fragrance. The blossoms are removed from the finished tea as leaving the jasmine blossom in can deteriorate the quality of the tea and result in a bitter taste. Jasmine tea is very popular in China and is often used as a welcoming gesture to guests.

This Jasmine Snow Dragon consists of neat tippy leaves that are of mixed size and size. Unlike rolled jasmine teas, twisted types tend to have more broken leaves due to processing. The dry leaves have an attractive dark green colour with plenty of silver buds present, very much a feature of Snow Dragon teas. It has a creamy jasmine aroma that is medium in strength and not too overpowering. The liquor produced has good clarity and a yellow-green colour. The taste is on the stronger and bolder side, having a mouthwatering quality. The rounded jasmine flavour is nicely combined with a creamy mouthfeel and floral fruity notes. The aftertaste has the typical jasmine taste with a touch of floral astringency and dryness. This jasmine green tea is definitely on the stronger side and would appeal if you prefer a stronger green tea taste.

We suggest brewing parameters of 80°C for 2 minutes according to your taste, brewing 3 or more times. If you are finding the taste to be on the stronger side, you can reduce the brewing temperature and time.

This Xue Long Jasmine Snow Dragon green tea was first featured in our November 2023 Curious Tea Subscription Boxes.