Formosa Dragon Well

“Drink this green tea, your eyes will light up!” says the tea maker. The bright grass notes and rich mung bean aroma hit the palate head-on. Brewed on the stronger side, it can be drunk like an espresso. Sanxia, in New Taipei City, is the only region that makes Dragon Well in Taiwan, a style of green tea originating from Hangzhou, China. About six kilos are made every spring, only with handpicked young shoots for a sweet and vibrant brew.

Green tea offers cooling properties in Traditional Chinese Medicine, making this Dragon Well a great summer tea pantry item. Steep it in slightly cooler water for a sweeter brew, or cold brew it for the most beautiful green tea nectar.