In a nutshell: an organic Dongting green tea with bright mandarin and grapefruit notes, softened by lemon balm and passionflower. Brew at 75-80°C, 2 to 3 min, 12 to 15 g/L.
Dongting is one of our signature citrus blends. Its base of our organic green tea selection China Sencha is complemented by orange peel, candied mandarin and essential oils of mandarin and lime, composing a luminous cup that is at once zesty and soothing.
This creation by Julien Huot, founder of the house, is built on the balance between the brightness of citrus and the vegetal roundness of Sencha. The result: an approachable, smooth infusion, easy to enjoy from morning to evening. Explore our Lolita green tea for a more floral take on the citrus register.
The aromatic profile of Dongting green tea
The moment you open the bag, the fragrance unfolds: a burst of candied mandarin, a freshness of grapefruit, underpinned by a delicate herbaceous base. The liquor is golden and clear, with marigold petals drifting through.
On the palate, the notes develop in three layers:
- Top: bright mandarin zest, lightly bitter orange peel, citrusy freshness of lime.
- Heart: tender, vegetal Sencha, with linden blossom and marigold adding a soft floral veil.
- Base: lemon balm and whole verbena, passionflower, drawing the cup to a gentle, soothing finish.
The grapefruit never overpowers: it flows naturally from the mandarin, lingering a little longer in the finish. China Jasmin Dragon Pearls weave in subtle floral inflections in the background. Pieces of mango round out the blend with a warmer, more enveloping fruity touch.
A well-balanced, quality blend in the spirit of fragrant citrus teas: not too sweet, not too sharp, always fresh. It pairs equally well with breakfast or a late-afternoon break.
How to brew Dongting green tea
Getting a citrus green tea right comes down to four precise parameters. Water that is too hot scorches the Sencha and stiffens the peel; too long in the cup and the infusion turns astringent, with the zests tipping into bitterness.
- Water: low in minerals, filtered if possible, never boiling.
- Temperature: 75 to 80°C (allow the water to cool after boiling).
- Quantity: 12 to 15 g per litre, roughly a heaped tablespoon for a 50 cl teapot.
- Time: 2 to 3 minutes, no longer.
A glass or porcelain teapot is ideal, letting you admire the marigold petals and fruit pieces as they steep. A wide-basket filter allows the Sencha leaves and peel to open up fully. The perfect accessory is a teapot with a removable infuser, so you can stop the brew at exactly the right moment.
Served cold, this blend is equally wonderful: cold-brew for 1 hour in a carafe at 15 g per litre, then serve over ice with a fresh mandarin slice. A fragrant, thirst-quenching summer drink.
For more on the best times to enjoy green tea, visit the right moment for green tea. Try our Dongting as part of your daily ritual, hot or cold.
Storage
To preserve the freshness of the citrus essential oils and the integrity of the Sencha, store the leaves in an airtight caddy, away from light, moisture and strong odours. Packaged in our workshop, this tea retains its aromatic brightness for several months when kept away from air.
Frequently asked questions
What does mandarin tea taste like?
Our Dongting offers bright citrus flavours: candied mandarin on the top note, grapefruit at the heart, orange peel on the finish. A vegetal Sencha base and soft notes of lemon balm, verbena and linden blossom wrap the whole together for a fresh, soothing cup.
How do I brew mandarin tea?
Heat low-mineral water to 75-80°C. Use 12 to 15 g of leaves per litre, steep for 2 to 3 minutes in a glass or porcelain teapot, then strain. For a cold brew, steep for 1 hour in the fridge at 15 g per litre.
What are the benefits of mandarin tea?
Our approach is first and foremost sensory: this blend is savoured for its aromatic pleasure, its citrus freshness and its vegetal roundness. To explore how green tea fits into different moments of the day, visit our guide to green tea.
Where can I buy mandarin tea online?
Dongting is available for direct purchase on our website, in loose-leaf and caddy formats. Each batch is blended in our workshop using organically grown ingredients, for guaranteed freshness and quality.
Where does mandarin tea come from?
Dongting is a signature blend from Thés & Traditions, built around an organic Sencha enhanced with orange peel, mandarin, citrus essential oils and gentle botanicals. A house creation, approachable and full of light.
