Dragon Well Tea Jelly
Introduction to Dragon Well Tea Jelly
Dragon Well Tea, also known as Longjing tea, is a variety of pan-roasted green tea from the area of Longjing Village in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. It is famous for its high quality and distinct, smooth taste. Dragon Well Tea is well-regarded not only for its flavor but also for its health benefits, resulting from its high antioxidant content. By turning this delicate tea into a jelly, we bring a unique twist to enjoying this traditional beverage. The jelly captures the essence of the tea leaves, offering a refreshing and light dessert that is perfect as a palate cleanser or a soothing finish to any meal.
Ingredients
- Dragon Well Tea: 3 tablespoons of premium leaves
- Gelatin: 2 tablespoons
- Sugar: 1/4 cup
- Water: 4 cups
Preparation
Step 1: Steeping the Tea
Begin by boiling water to about 175°F, as using boiling water can scorch the Dragon Well Tea leaves and result in a bitter flavor. Add the tea leaves to a teapot, and pour the hot water over them. Allow the tea to steep for about 3 minutes, or slightly longer for a more robust flavor. Once steeped, strain to separate the tea leaves from the liquid.
Step 2: Dissolving the Gelatin
In a separate bowl, add 2 tablespoons of gelatin and mix it with half a cup of warm water. Stir gently until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Setting the gelatin properly is crucial for achieving the right jelly consistency.
Cooking Process
Step 3: Combining Tea and Gelatin
Warm the strained Dragon Well Tea on the stove, ensuring it doesn’t boil. Gradually stir in the dissolved gelatin mixture. Consistently stir the mixture while heating, allowing the ingredients to fully combine and the gelatin to integrate seamlessly into the tea.
Step 4: Sweetening the Jelly
Once the gelatin is adequately mixed, add 1/4 cup of sugar to the mixture. Taste the blend to ensure it meets your sweetness preference, adjusting as necessary. Stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Step 5: Setting the Jelly
Remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool briefly. Pour it into molds of your choice, be they simple bowls or intricate shapes to enhance the presentation. Cover the molds and refrigerate them for at least 4 hours, or until the jelly is fully set. For best results, check the setting of the jelly by lightly tapping the mold to ensure it has firmed up adequately. Use a cooking timer to ensure precision in this step.
Enjoying Dragon Well Tea Jelly
Serve the jelly chilled by turning it out of the molds onto serving plates. Its delicate flavor profile can be enhanced with a touch of lemon zest or fresh mint leaves. This light dessert pairs well with a cup of hot Dragon Well Tea for a perfect end to any traditional Chinese meal. The balance between the subtle sweetness and the aromatic tea notes makes this jelly a refreshing treat. Enjoy it as a sophisticated dessert that respects the longstanding tradition of Dragon Well Tea.
Conclusion
The Dragon Well Tea Jelly not only highlights the exquisite flavors of the well-regarded Longjing leaves but also showcases an innovative culinary use of this celebrated tea. Perfect for tea enthusiasts and dessert lovers alike, this jelly is a creative exploration of cultural gastronomy.