Ban Zhang Dragon Balls (Ban Zhang Longzhu)

Ban Zhang Longzhu are a popular form of Pu'er tea in recent years. They are handmade into small balls using raw materials from the Ban Zhang production area, known as the "King of Tea." One ball is used per brew, making them easy to carry and brew. A dragon ball is essentially a compressed tea shape, not a tea variety. It is usually made from Ban Zhang spring tea leaves, which are steamed until soft and then hand-rolled into balls. Each ball typically weighs 6–8 grams, exactly the amount needed for one brew.

The taste of Ban Zhang Dragon Balls continues the "bold and powerful" character of Ban Zhang tea. For raw tea dragon balls, the bitterness is noticeable upon entry but dissipates quickly, immediately followed by a surge of sweet aftertaste and salivation. The tea liquor is full and smooth, with floral honey or orchid aromas, and a cool, lasting throat sensation. Ripe tea dragon balls, on the other hand, present a mellow flavor interwoven with aged aroma, woody notes, and glutinous rice fragrance. The liquor is thick, red, and bright, entering the mouth smoothly and softly. It should be noted that due to the compressed ball shape, dragon balls require a slightly longer rinse time during brewing to allow the tightly packed tea leaves to fully unfurl.