Shoumei Dragon Pearl (Chinese white tea)

Shoumei Dragon Pearl: An Oriental Tea Treasure Preserved by Time
 
1. Origin and Characteristics
 
Shoumei Dragon Pearl is an innovative form of Chinese white tea, with its core raw materials sourced from high-quality Shoumei tea leaves in Fuding, the "Hometown of Chinese White Tea" . The name "Shoumei" (Eyebrow of Longevity) comes from the tea's appearance resembling the eyebrows of elders. It is picked according to the standard of one bud with two to three leaves, retaining the complete structure of buds, leaves, and stems, which is the cornerstone of its mellow taste . "Dragon Pearl" refers to the round balls hand-rolled by tea masters after steaming the tea leaves soft. Each ball weighs about 5 grams, with uniform size and tight texture, inheriting traditional craftsmanship while adapting to the convenient tea-drinking needs of modern life .
 
As a lightly fermented tea, Shoumei Dragon Pearl adopts the natural process of "sun withering + indoor air-drying" without frying or rolling, maximizing the retention of natural substances such as tea polyphenols, amino acids, and flavonoids in the tea leaves . This minimalist process endows it with the unique attribute of "tea in one year, medicine in three years, and treasure in seven years" — the longer the aging time, the more mellow the flavor and the higher the value .
 
2. Flavor and Tasting Experience
 
(1) Aroma Layers
 
Dry tea initially emits fresh lotus leaf fragrance and floral notes. After aging, it gradually develops jujube aroma, honey sweetness, and even warm aged fragrance. The aroma is pure and natural without any artificial additives . When brewed, the rising steam blends the herbal scent of mountains and sweet aroma, as if encapsulating the elegance of Fuding's tea mountains in a cup .
 
(2) Taste Characteristics
 
The tea soup presents a bright orange-red color, smooth as rice water on the palate. Sweetness spreads across the tip of the tongue without any bitterness. Thanks to the perfect ratio of buds, leaves, and stems, the soup is rich and full with long-lasting sweetness. It also has excellent infusibility — one dragon pearl can be brewed repeatedly, offering a rich layering from the initial sweetness to the mellow later infusions . Aged tea for many years even has a unique "sugarcane sweetness" with a soft and warm texture that lingers .
 
(3) Versatile Brewing Methods
 
1. Hot Brewing: Rinse the tea with boiling water, then steep for 30 seconds to enjoy the mellow soup. Gradually extend the steeping time for subsequent infusions .
2. Simmering: Simmer with red dates and dried tangerine peel for 10 minutes. It is a perfect health drink to warm the body in autumn and winter .
3. Cold Brewing: Soak in mineral water and refrigerate for 6 hours. The iced tea has enhanced sweetness, refreshing and greasy-relieving in summer. You can also freeze the tea soup into ice cubes and mix with milk to make white tea latte .
 
3. Core Value and Application Scenarios
 
(1) Health Benefits
 
The active ingredients in the tea offer multiple benefits: caffeine refreshes the mind and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects; provitamin A protects eyesight; flavonoids help protect the liver; and active enzymes assist in regulating metabolism . With mild tea nature, it is suitable for most people. Drinking it half an hour after meals can also help relieve greasiness and aid digestion .
 
(2) Scenario Adaptation
 
- Daily Drinking: As a cost-effective "daily tea", it is ideal for brewing during work breaks or leisure time at home, soothing the mind with one cup .
- Travel Companion: Individually packaged in tin foil to prevent moisture and odor, no need for weighing or prying. You can enjoy teahouse-quality tea even with hotel mugs .
- Gifting & Collecting: The exquisite dragon pearl shape with elegant packaging makes it a perfect gift. It is also suitable for long-term collection in tin cans, witnessing the flavor evolution over time .
- Creative Use: Dried tea residues after brewing can be made into tea pillows, which help with sleep with their fragrance, realizing full utilization of the tea .
 
(3) Storage Tips
 
It can be stored for a long time as long as four conditions are met: dryness, darkness, odor prevention, and temperature control (around 20℃). Desiccants can be placed in the container to prevent moisture, and avoid storing with strong-smelling items such as coffee and spices , allowing the tea to naturally develop a better flavor over time.