Longjing Green Tea: Discovering the Delightful Taste

Are you looking to try a different type of green tea? Look no further than Longjing Green Tea, also known as Dragon Well Tea. This type of tea originates from the West Lake area in Hangzhou, China, and has been a popular choice for tea drinkers for centuries.

Longjing tea flavor is often described as sweet and nutty with a smooth finish. This is due to how the tea leaves are processed and shaped and the distinctive soil and weather conditions where the tea plants are grown.

If you want to learn more about this famous Chinese tea, keep reading. You are in for a treat!

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History and Origin

History of Longjing Green Tea

The history of Longjing Tea can be traced back over 1,500 years to the Tang Dynasty. The tea plants used to make Longjing tea are grown in the hills surrounding the Qiantang River in Hangzhou, China. The region’s location and climate (foggy, which protects the tea plants from the sun) provide the perfect conditions for growing high-quality tea.

During the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE), this tea gained popularity and became widely recognized. Emperors and nobles of the time praised its exceptional quality and exquisite taste, elevating its status and making it a highly sought-after tea.

Legend has it that during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912 CE), Emperor Qianlong visited the West Lake region and was captivated by the tea’s exceptional taste. Impressed by the tea’s quality, he granted it the prestigious “Imperial Tea.” This royal recognition further enhanced its reputation and made it highly sought after by tea connoisseurs.

Longjing tea is produced from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. The tea leaves are meticulously hand-picked in early spring, usually around late March or early April. The harvest timing is crucial as it ensures the tea leaves are young and tender, resulting in a smoother and more delicate flavor.

Longjing tea is still considered a premium tea and is often served as part of the Gong Cha, or imperial tea, ceremony.

Legend of the Dragon Well

Longjing tea is called “Dragon Well” because of its association with a legendary well located in the West Lake region where the tea is grown. According to folklore, a dragon dwelled in this well, and the tea leaves from the surrounding area were said to have absorbed the water’s mythical powers.

Additionally, the tea leaves’ shape resembles a dragon’s claw or the blade of a sword, further strengthening the connection between the tea and the dragon’s symbolism.

Processing and Characteristics

Harvest and Processing

When it comes to Longjing green tea, the quality of the tea leaves is of utmost importance. The tea leaves are usually harvested before the Qingming Festival in early spring. The leaves that are used for the tea are usually the first two leaves and a bud that grows on the tea plant.

As mentioned, Longjing comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. However, several cultivars or hybrids are used in tea production. A cultivar is a plant cultivated to yield specific characteristics. It is not true to seed, meaning it propagates through cutting, grafting, and other methods. Some cultivars used to produce Longjing green tea include round leaf, long leaf, melon leaf, and Longjing No. 43.

After the leaves are picked by hand, they wither in the sun for a few hours. The withering process helps to reduce the moisture content of the leaves and makes them more pliable.

After the withering process, the leaves are pan-fired in a large wok. This process, called “kill-green,” helps stop oxidation (a chemical reaction that darkens the leaves). The leaves are then rolled and shaped into their characteristic flat shape. This process helps break down the leaves’ cell walls and releases the tea’s flavor.

Drying

The rolled tea leaves are subjected to a final drying process. This removes any remaining moisture and ensures the tea’s stability during storage. Modern methods often involve drying with hot air, while traditional methods may use charcoal or other heat sources.

After drying, the tea is sorted into different grades based on the leaves’ size, appearance, and quality. Higher grades consist of younger, more tender leaves and buds.

The finished Longjing tea is carefully packaged to preserve its freshness and flavor. It’s often stored in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags.

Taste and Aroma

The flavor of Longjing tea is influenced by various factors, including the tea plant’s cultivar, the specific growing region, and the processing methods. Here’s a general description of the flavor profile of Longjing tea:

Sweet and Nutty: Longjing tea is often described as having a sweet and nutty flavor. This sweetness is often likened to chestnuts or a mild, sugarcane-like sweetness. The nutty notes can be reminiscent of roasted chestnuts or fresh, lightly toasted grains.
Vegetal and Grassy: Longjing tea retains a fresh, vegetal quality with hints of grassiness. The early spring harvest and minimal oxidation during processing help preserve these green, vegetal notes, giving the tea a crisp and vibrant character.
Umami: Some Longjing teas exhibit a subtle umami quality, which adds depth and complexity to the flavor. Umami is often described as a savory, brothy taste that complements the tea’s natural sweetness and nuttiness.
Smooth and Mellow: Longjing tea is known for its smooth and mellow mouthfeel. It lacks the bitterness and astringency commonly found in some other green teas. This makes it an approachable and pleasant tea for seasoned tea drinkers and newcomers to green tea.
Refreshing: Longjing tea has a vital quality with a clean finish. It often leaves a lingering, pleasant aftertaste that enhances the overall drinking experience.
Aroma: Longjing tea also has a captivating aroma that complements its flavor profile. The aroma can be described as fresh, vegetal, and slightly nutty, further enhancing the tea’s sensory appeal.

Varieties and Grades

Longjing green tea is graded based on its quality, which is determined by the location of the tea plantation, the time of harvesting, and the processing method. Here are some of this green tea’s most popular varieties and grades.

Shi Feng Longjing Tea

Shi Feng Longjing Tea is grown on the slopes of Lion Peak Mountain in Hangzhou. The tender leaves are picked in early spring, and the tea is processed by hand. Shi Feng Longjing Tea has a delicate flavor and a sweet aroma with a hint of chestnut. It is considered to be the highest grade of Longjing green tea.

Xi Hu Longjing Tea

Xi Hu Longjing Tea is grown in the West Lake area of Hangzhou. The tea is harvested in late March or early April. Xi Hu Longjing Tea has a fresh, crisp flavor and a floral aroma. It is one of the most popular varieties of Longjing tea.

Mei Jia Wu Longjing Tea

Mei Jia Wu Longjing Tea is grown in the village of Mei Jia Wu, located in the West Lake area of Hangzhou. The tea is harvested in early April, and the leaves are processed by hand. Mei Jia Wu Longjing Tea has a mellow flavor and a nutty aroma, with a hint of yun (a Chinese term for freshness in the mouth).

Longjing is also graded based on the size and shape of the leaves. The highest grade is called “superfine,” followed by “premium,” “classic,” and “standard.” The tea prices vary depending on the grade and the location of the plantation.

Brewing Longjing Green Tea

If you want to enjoy Longjing’s full flavor and aroma, you need to know how to brew it correctly. Here are some tips to help you make the perfect cup.

Timing and Temperature

The water temperature and steeping time are crucial to the taste of your Longjing tea. For the best results, use water around 80°C (176°F). Boiling water can burn the tea leaves and make the tea taste bitter. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can boil the water and let it cool for a couple of minutes before using it.

Steeping Time

The steeping time for Longjing tea should be around 2-3 minutes (use 1 teaspoon per 8 ounces of water). Steeping for too long can also make the tea taste bitter. If you like your tea more substantial, you can use more tea leaves rather than steeping longer.

Infusions

Longjing tea can be infused multiple times, with each infusion slightly different flavor. The first infusion is usually the strongest, with subsequent infusions becoming milder. You can infuse Longjing tea up to 3-4 times, depending on the quality of the tea leaves.

To make the most of your tea, take a moment to appreciate the aroma before taking a sip. Savor the taste and let it linger in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing.

Longjing Green Tea Food Pairings

Longjing is a versatile tea that can pair well with various foods. Here are some suggestions for food pairings to enhance your tea-drinking experience:

Light Snacks

Longjing pairs well with light snacks such as fruits, nuts, and crackers. The tea’s delicate flavor complements the sweetness of fruits and the saltiness of nuts and crackers. Try pairing Longjing Green Tea with sliced apples, almonds, or whole-grain crackers for a satisfying snack.

Seafood

Longjing Green Tea’s subtle flavor and aroma make it a great pairing for seafood. The tea’s mild taste doesn’t overpower the delicate seafood flavors, making it an ideal choice for pairing with sushi, sashimi, or grilled fish. The tea’s natural sweetness also complements the umami flavors of seafood.

Chinese Cuisine

Longjing is a traditional Chinese tea that pairs well with many Chinese dishes. The tea’s light and refreshing taste makes it an excellent accompaniment to stir-fries, steamed vegetables, and dumplings. The tea’s subtle flavor also complements the spices and seasonings used in Chinese cuisine.

Desserts

Longjing Green Tea’s natural sweetness makes it a great pairing for desserts. The tea’s delicate flavor can balance the richness of desserts such as chocolate, cheesecake, and ice cream. Try pairing Longjing Green Tea with a slice of dark chocolate or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat.

Health Benefits

When it comes to Longjing green tea, there are several health benefits that you can enjoy. Here are some benefits you can get from drinking this tea.

Antioxidants and Caffeine

Longjing is packed with antioxidants that help to protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants can help to prevent several diseases and health problems, including cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition to antioxidants, this tea contains caffeine. This can help to boost your energy levels and improve your focus and concentration.

Weight Loss and Cholesterol

Drinking Longjing green tea can also help you to manage weight and improve your cholesterol levels. The tea contains catechins, which have been shown to help boost your metabolism and burn fat. This can help you to lose weight more quickly and easily.

The catechins in Longjing can also help to lower your cholesterol levels. This can help to reduce your risk of heart disease and other health problems.

Blood Pressure and Stroke

Longjing tea can also help to lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of stroke. The tea contains theanine, which has been shown to help relax your blood vessels and improve blood flow. This can help to lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of stroke.

In addition to theanine, Longjing contains inositol, folic acid, and pantothenic acid. These nutrients can help to improve your overall health and reduce your risk of many health problems.

Buying Recommendations

We always recommend visiting your nearest tea specialist to obtain high-quality products and deepen your tea knowledge. Besides, you may be able to try several tea brands before making a purchase decision.

Since we know not everybody has the time to stop by a local tea provider, here are our top loose-leaf recommendations (from online retailers since we are advocates of enjoying the complete flavor profile of tea):

FullChea – Longjing Tea – Dragonwell Tea – Chinese Green Tea Loose Leaf