# Dragon Well (Camellia sinensis) **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/dragon-well **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-28 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Tea Cultivars **Also Known As:** Longjing tea, Lung Ching tea, West Lake Dragon Well, Xi Hu Longjing, Camellia sinensis var. sinensis, Dragon's Well tea, Dragonwell green tea ## Overview Dragon Well tea (Camellia sinensis) is a high-quality green tea variety from China containing catechins, particularly EGCG, and L-theanine. Despite its popularity as a premium tea cultivar, no clinical health benefits have been substantiated from available research data. ## Health Benefits • No clinical health benefits can be substantiated from the provided research dossier • The available sources only describe agricultural and culinary characteristics • No human trials, meta-analyses, or biomedical studies were found in the research • Evidence quality: Absent - no clinical data provided • Traditional use context exists but lacks scientific validation in the provided sources ## Mechanism of Action Dragon Well tea contains catechins like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which may theoretically inhibit catechol-O-methyltransferase and modulate [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) pathways. The L-theanine content could potentially influence GABA [neurotransmitter activity](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) and promote alpha brain wave production. However, these mechanisms remain theoretical as no clinical studies have validated bioactivity for this specific cultivar. ## Clinical Summary No clinical trials, systematic reviews, or human studies specifically examining Dragon Well tea's health effects were identified in the research literature. Available sources focus exclusively on agricultural cultivation methods and sensory characteristics rather than biomedical applications. The absence of clinical data prevents substantiation of any therapeutic claims. Evidence quality is classified as absent for health-related outcomes. ## Nutritional Profile Dragon Well (Longjing) tea, as a brewed green tea from Camellia sinensis, contains the following per 240ml serving of brewed tea: Calories: 2-3 kcal; Protein: 0.5g; Carbohydrates: 0.5g; Fat: 0g; Fiber: 0g (negligible in liquid form). Key bioactive compounds: Catechins (polyphenols) are the primary bioactives, with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) estimated at 50-100mg per cup, epigallocatechin (EGC) at 15-50mg, epicatechin gallate (ECG) at 10-30mg, and epicatechin (EC) at 5-15mg — Dragon Well is noted for relatively high catechin preservation due to pan-firing (vs. steaming) processing which partially reduces catechin oxidation compared to other green teas. L-theanine: approximately 20-45mg per cup, an amino acid unique to Camellia sinensis that modulates [neurotransmitter activity](/ingredients/condition/cognitive); bioavailability is high via oral absorption. Caffeine: 30-50mg per 240ml serving depending on steep time and water temperature; Dragon Well is traditionally brewed at lower temperatures (75-85°C) which may extract slightly less caffeine than boiling-water preparations. Chlorophyll: present in moderate amounts contributing to the jade-green color; exact concentration varies with harvest season (pre-Qingming first-flush leaves contain higher chlorophyll). Vitamins: Vitamin C approximately 5-10mg per cup (partially degraded during pan-firing); Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) trace amounts (~0.05mg); Vitamin K approximately 15-25mcg per cup. Minerals: Fluoride 0.1-0.3mg per cup; Manganese 0.4-0.7mg per cup (high bioavailability); Potassium 20-35mg; Zinc trace (~0.05mg); Selenium trace amounts dependent on soil composition of Hangzhou growing region. Amino acids: In addition to L-theanine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and arginine are present in small quantities contributing to the characteristic umami flavor. Bioavailability notes: Catechin absorption ranges from 1.5-13% depending on food matrix; consuming without milk maximizes polyphenol bioavailability; lower brewing temperatures used for Dragon Well help preserve heat-sensitive compounds including Vitamin C and L-theanine compared to standard green tea preparation. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges are available in the provided research. The sources only describe traditional tea preparation methods without standardized therapeutic dosing information. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions As a green tea variety, Dragon Well likely contains 25-50mg caffeine per cup and may cause typical caffeine-related side effects including [insomnia](/ingredients/condition/sleep), anxiety, and digestive upset. Potential interactions with anticoagulant medications due to vitamin K content and iron absorption interference are theoretically possible. Pregnant women should limit intake due to caffeine content. Individual tolerance varies significantly with caffeine sensitivity. ## Scientific Research No clinical trials, meta-analyses, or scientific studies were found in the provided research dossier. The available sources contain only agricultural and culinary information about Dragon Well tea as a cultivar, with no PMIDs or peer-reviewed biomedical research referenced. ## Historical & Cultural Context Dragon Well tea is described as a traditional Chinese green tea from Zhejiang Province, valued for its jade color, vegetative aroma, and mineral-rich flavor profile derived from the region's quartz-based soil. The tea requires hand-harvesting and traditional pan-roasting processing methods passed down through generations. ## Synergistic Combinations Insufficient data - no synergistic ingredients identified in research ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How much caffeine does Dragon Well tea contain? Dragon Well tea typically contains 25-50mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup, similar to other green tea varieties. Caffeine content varies based on steeping time, water temperature, and leaf quality. ### What makes Dragon Well tea different from other green teas? Dragon Well is distinguished by its flat, sword-shaped leaves and delicate, sweet flavor profile with minimal astringency. It undergoes specific pan-firing processing methods that create its characteristic appearance and taste. ### Are there proven health benefits of drinking Dragon Well tea? No clinical health benefits have been substantiated for Dragon Well tea specifically. While it contains beneficial compounds like EGCG and L-theanine found in other green teas, research on this particular cultivar is limited to agricultural and culinary aspects. ### How should Dragon Well tea be prepared for optimal flavor? Dragon Well tea should be steeped in 175-185°F water for 2-3 minutes using 1 teaspoon of leaves per cup. Multiple short infusions preserve the delicate flavor better than single long steeping periods. ### Can Dragon Well tea interact with medications? Dragon Well tea may theoretically interact with blood thinners due to vitamin K content and could affect iron absorption when consumed with meals. The caffeine content may also interact with stimulant medications or cause issues for those with caffeine sensitivity. ### Where is Dragon Well tea grown and how does origin affect quality? Dragon Well tea is primarily cultivated in the Hangzhou region of Zhejiang Province in China, with the West Lake area being the most prestigious growing region. The specific terroir of this location—including altitude, soil composition, and climate—contributes to the tea's distinctive flavor profile and appearance, with authentic Dragon Well commanding higher prices than teas grown in other regions. Teas labeled as Dragon Well but produced outside this region may differ significantly in taste and quality characteristics. ### What is the appearance and processing method of Dragon Well tea leaves? Dragon Well tea leaves are characteristically flat, sword-shaped, and hand-pressed during processing, which gives them their distinctive appearance and contributes to their visual appeal. The leaves are typically a vibrant jade green color, achieved through careful pan-firing immediately after harvesting to prevent oxidation. This traditional processing method is essential to the cultivar's identity and directly influences both the tea's appearance and its flavor characteristics. ### How does Dragon Well tea compare in price and rarity to other Chinese green teas? Dragon Well is one of China's most prestigious and expensive green teas, particularly authentic West Lake Dragon Well, which is significantly more costly than mass-produced green teas or other Chinese cultivars. The limited growing area, specific harvesting seasons (particularly the prized early spring harvest), and labor-intensive hand-processing methods contribute to its premium pricing. Counterfeit or regional variants are common in the market, and prices can vary dramatically based on harvest timing, origin certification, and leaf grade. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*