Why This Tea Was Curated
This 2020 Ripe Pu’er tea pearls were selected for their precision craftsmanship and modern convenience. Sourced from the Xiao Hu Sai region in Lincang, each pearl is tightly compressed for consistent brewing and easy daily use.
✔Naturally aged since compression, developing a smooth, rounded, and clean ripe Pu’er profile.
✔Xiao Hu Sai terroir brings a balanced structure with gentle sweetness and earthy depth.
✔Pre-portioned 8g pearls ensure consistent extraction without the need for scales or breaking tools.
Flavor Profile of Ripe Pu’er Dragon Balls
Aroma: Rich, clean, naturally mellow
Taste: Smooth, thick, silky mouthfeel, mellow and comforting
Mouthfeel: Silky and thick, reminiscent of warm milky grains
Flavor Ratings
5 indicates the strongest intensity of that characteristic, not overall quality.
| Sweetness | 3 / 5 (5 = sweetest) gradual returning aftertaste |
|---|---|
| Bitterness | 2 / 5 (5 = most bitter) |
| Astringency | 0 / 5 (5 = most astringent) |
| Body / Thickness | 5 / 5 (5 = thickest body) |
| Roast Level | 0 / 5 (5 = darkest roast) |
| Brewing Ease | 5 / 5 (5 = easiest to brew) |
✔ Travelers, office workers, and those seeking a premium ripe Pu'er experience.
✘Drinkers who enjoy the traditional process of prying leaves from a compressed cake.
How to Brew Ripe Pu’er Dragon Balls
Mug Brewing
Mug brewing is not recommended for Dragon Balls. The tightly compressed pearl may break unevenly, and it is difficult to control the tea-to-water ratio, which can affect the consistency and overall drinking experience.
Gongfu Brewing
Tea-to-Water: 1 Dragon Ball (8 g) / 120 ml (4 fl. oz)
Water Temp: 100°C (212°F)
Steep Time: 1st steep: 10s · then 5–8s ↑ each infusion
Rinse with boiling water before brewing. Longer steeping brings out deeper aged character and sweetness.
Ripe Pu’er Dragon Balls Details & Specifications
| Tea Category | Ripe Pu'er Tea (Tea Pearls / Dragon Balls) |
|---|---|
| Plucking Standard |
Blended Yunnan large-leaf tea material |
| Cultivar | Yunnan large-leaf tea tree (Da Ye Zhong) |
| Season | Spring Tea 2020 |
| Oxidation Level | Fully fermented (post-fermentation) |
| Aroma | Rich, clean, naturally mellow |
| Liquor Color | Deep reddish-brown |
| Mouthfeel | Silky and thick, reminiscent of warm milky grains |
| Shelf Life | Improves with age |
| Caffeine |
Moderate (20% of coffee)
|
| Storage | Store sealed, dry, away from light and strong odors. For aging: keep it sealed and dry at stable room temperature. |
| Origin | Xiao Hu Sai, Lincang, Yunnan Province, China |
Origin & Terroir of Ripe Pu’er Dragon Balls
Origin & Terroir: The Ancient Gardens of Xiao Hu Sai
Xiao Hu Sai is a renowned high-altitude region in Lincang, famous for its preserved ancient tea gardens and pristine forest environment. The material for these 2020 pearls was harvested from Yunnan large-leaf trees (Da Ye Zhong) that benefit from the region's intense sunlight and mineral-rich soil.
Unlike many mass-produced ripe teas, our Xiao Hu Sai pearls focus on liquor clarity and textural depth. The unique 'pearl' format protects the leaves during travel while allowing them to age gracefully in a compact form. This results in a brew that reflects the authentic 'Small Tiger' (Xiao Hu Sai) character—bold, sweet, and incredibly smooth.
Origin & Terroir of Ripe Pu’er Dragon Balls
Q1.Does Dragon Balls contain caffeine?
Yes, Dragon Balls have a moderate caffeine content, making them suitable for most tea drinkers.
Q2. How should I brew Dragon Balls?
You can brew Dragon Balls using a gaiwan or Yixing teapot. Mug brewing is possible but not recommended due to reduced control over extraction and tea-to-water ratio.
Q3. What is the taste profile of Dragon Balls?
Dragon Balls offer a smooth, thick, and silky mouthfeel with a deep reddish-brown liquor and a mellow, comforting taste.
Q4. What is the taste profile of Dragon Balls?
They offer a smooth, thick, and silky mouthfeel with mellow earthy depth and a gentle returning sweetness in the aftertaste.
Q5. Are Ripe Puerh Tea Pearls suitable for beginners?
No, Dragon Balls are not suitable for complete beginners without proper teaware. They require a gaiwan or teapot for controlled extraction and proper flavor expression.
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