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Longjing Tea: The Ultimate Guide to Chinese Dragon Well Tea
Longjing Tea, also known as Dragon Well tea, is more than just a renowned name among the top 10 Chinese teas—it symbolizes culture and refinement.
Often referred to as Dragon Tea or Chinese Dragon Tea, it carries a legacy as rich as its unique flavor.
It isn’t merely a beverage; it’s a window into a captivating tradition, steeped in history and cherished across generations.
It’s a simple yet profound pleasure, seamlessly blending the serenity of ancient traditions with a refreshing taste that delights the senses.
Are you ready to delve into the serene simplicity of Dragon Well Tea? Join us as we explore this extraordinary green tea, a true gem in the world of teas.
Longjing Tea Plantation
Nestled in the heart of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, lies the birthplace of Longjing Tea, China’s most esteemed green tea.
This green treasure, synonymous with prestige and quality, owes its exceptional character to the unique terroirs of its plantations.
Intriguingly, the geographical diversity of these plantations categorizes Longjing Tea into 3 distinct types, each with its own charm:
- West Lake Tea Plantation: The scenic splendor of the West Lake area and its adjacent villages in Hangzhou crafts the famed West Lake Longjing tea.
- Yuezhou Tea Plantation: In the quaint villages of Yuecheng, Xinchang, and Shengzhou within Shaoxing City, the Yuezhou or Zhejiang Longjing tea is cultivated.
- Qiantang Tea Plantation: The lush landscapes of Xiaoshan, Binjiang, and Yuhang in Hangzhou give rise to the Qiantang Longjing or Hangzhou Longjing tea.
The geographical nuances of these plantations significantly influence the tea trees’ growth environment, thereby subtly shaping the quality and flavor of the tea.
This, in turn, is reflected in Longjing tea’s varying grades and prices, each grade narrating its own story of cultivation and craftsmanship.
West Lake Tea Plantation: West Lake Longjing Tea
West Lake Longjing tea grows mainly around the beautiful West Lake Scenic Spot and its nearby small villages and towns.
In simple terms, these areas are not just plantations but special geographical indication production areas. What does this mean for West Lake Longjing Tea?
The national standard (GBT18650-2008) says that we can only call the tea ‘West Lake Longjing Tea’ if it comes from these areas.
Also, we need to make the tea using the traditional frying method.
This rule ensures that enjoying a cup of West Lake Longjing is the real deal, full of tradition and quality.
1st production area: top-grade Longjing tea plantation
The top-notch West Lake Longjing tea comes from some exceptional places.
Shifeng Mountain: The Birthplace of Shifeng Longjing Tea
Shifeng Mountain is a special spot for West Lake Longjing in Zhejiang Province. It has a mild and wet climate with lots of gentle rain.
The average yearly temperature is about 16.1°C, with humidity usually over 80% and annual rainfall around 1,500mm.
The soil here is a mix of broken Xihu Quartz rock, sandy soil, and loess, full of trace elements, great for growing high-quality tea.
The tea leaves from here are rich in aromatic oils.
They look short, plump, and flat, with a soft green color, tiny hairs, a sweet taste, and a lasting fragrance. Read Shi Feng Long Jing Tea Guide for more details.
Longjing Village: West Lake Longjing Tea
Longjing Village, tucked away in the southwest of the West Lake Scenic Spot, is surrounded by mountains and has about 800 acres of high-altitude tea plantations.
The rich soil and the unique landscape protects the area from harsh weather, creating a misty environment ideal for tea growth.
This perfect mix of geography and quality water makes Longjing Village’s tea special.
Yunqi Village: Yunqi Longjing Tea
Yunqi Longjing tea grows on the hills near Yunqi Village.
This village is hidden in Xianlin Town, Hangzhou’s western suburb, and is rich in natural beauty.
With 500 acres of tea gardens, Yunqi produces over 40 tons of dry tea annually.
Hupao Spring (Tiger Spring): Hupao Longjing (Tiger Spring) Tea
Near Hupao Spring, you’ll find Hupao Longjing tea.
The Tiger Spring is in the southwest of Hangzhou, at Daci Mountain.
People say the best way to enjoy West Lake Longjing tea is to brew it with water from Tiger Spring.
The tea’s color and aroma are at their best this way. With such excellent natural conditions, it’s no surprise that Tiger Longjing tea is so good.
Meijiawu: Meijiawu Longjing Tea
Meijiawu Village, over 600 years old, lies in West Lake Scenic Spot’s western heartland.
It’s a central production area for West Lake Longjing Tea and a beautiful spot for tea culture and leisure. It’s a place where history and the art of tea come together.
2nd Production Area
We find the second production area of West Lake Longjing tea right outside the West Lake Scenic Area.
Although it’s outside the scenic spot, it’s still part of the West Lake area, including Longwu Township, Leaving Township, Qutang Township, and Zhoupu Township.
Historically, this area was known for flag gun tea.
So, why do we call it the second production area?
First, it’s because of national rules protecting geographical indications.
Second, the environment, climate, and tea tree varieties here differ slightly from those in the first production area.
Farmers mainly grow a late variety in the second area called Longjing #43.
This type of Longjing tea differs from the varieties grown in the first area. We’ll dive into these varieties more in a bit.
But there’s something even more important about the second production area: annual output.
Right, the tea gardens in the first and second production areas of Xihu Longjing cover about 20,000 acres and produce around 500-600 tons of tea annually.
The first area contributes to about 6,000 acres, while the second area makes up 14,000 acres.
If we calculate it by yield per mu, which is about 50 pounds, then around 70% of West Lake Longjing tea comes from the second production areas.
1st VS 2st Tea Plantation
In West Lake Longjing, the first production areas like Shifeng Mountain, Yunqi Village, Longjing Village, Hupao Spring, and Meijiawu are more than just tea sources.
They are the soul of its brand and culture. These places have stories that tea lovers cherish.
Like the tale of Master Biancai, who transformed a barren hill to grow Longjing, or Emperor Qianlong’s special eighteen imperial tea trees. And let’s remember Premier Zhou’s visit to Meijiawu.
These stories add a rich cultural layer to the tea from these areas.
Then, we have the second production area, known for its prestige in Longwu Tea Town.
Tea enthusiasts in China lovingly call it “Wan Dan Tea Town.”
It’s the largest area for West Lake Longjing. It holds the title of China’s first provincial-level town dedicated to tea culture and industry.
Every year, Longwu Tea Town hosts the official West Lake Longjing tea festival, highlighting its importance in the tea production.
But there’s a difference. The first production area is more about culture and is enjoyed by a few.
The second area, however, is where most people get to taste authentic high-grade Longjing tea. It’s also the best place to buy this exquisite tea.
West Lake Longjing Tea Growing Environment
Apart from its rich cultural heritage, the environment plays a crucial role in the unique qualities of West Lake Longjing tea.
Let’s delve into the 4 key environmental aspects that make the West Lake Tea Plantation so ideal for growing this exquisite tea:
Sandy Soil: The Ideal Ground for Tea Trees
Tea trees thrive in sandy soil.
This preference dates back to when tea trees first grew in the wild in Southwest China’s Yunnan and Guizhou regions. The soil there is mostly fertile, loose sandy loam and acidic.
Sandy soil is not just a preference; it’s in the tea tree’s genetic makeup.
Perfect Latitude and Longitude
The world’s best teas often come from a specific latitude range: 28-32 degrees north.
Xihu Longjing tea is grown right in the heart of this prime zone, around 30 degrees north latitude.
Specifically, the top-notch Shi Feng Longjing tea grows between 30 degrees 04 minutes and 30 degrees 20 minutes north latitude.
Climate: A Crucial Factor
The West Lake region’s humid, cloudy air is key to Longjing tea’s quality.
This climate makes Xihu Longjing tea rich in amino acids but low in tea polyphenols, making the tea nutritious, tender, and refreshing.
Ideal Light Conditions
In this area, sunlight is gentle, rainfall abundant, and temperatures mild, especially during the tea-picking season.
The temperatures stay between 10℃ and 20℃, which is ideal for producing tiny, high-quality tea buds. The best time to pick Xihu Longjing tea is from late March to April.
The climate around this time significantly affects the tea’s quality, including its nutrients, tea polyphenols, and amino acid content.
Yuezhou Tea Plantation: Yuezhou Longjing (Zhejiang Longjing)
Yuezhou Longjing tea, distinct from its West Lake counterpart, hails from the expansive Yuezhou Production Area in Zhejiang Province, including many townships around Shaoxing City.
Why Yuezhou Longjing Stands Out？
Due to the limited size and yield of the West Lake Longjing production area and its deep cultural heritage, its teas are costly and hard to come by.
In contrast, the Yuezhou tea plantations produce much more Longjing tea.
As West Lake Longjing’s fame has soared, so has the recognition of Yuezhou Longjing among tea lovers.
Despite its centuries-long history, Yuezhou Longjing’s location outside the core West Lake area makes it more affordable, offering great value for money.
Additionally, the Yuezhou area, nestled between 28° and 30° north latitude, boasts a landscape rich in mountains and rivers, with a mild and humid climate, abundant rainfall, and acidic sandy soil perfect for Longjing tea trees.
Characteristics of Yuezhou Longjing Tea
This tea is known for its flat, smooth leaves, uniform, moist green color, and tender fragrance with a hint of orchid.
It offers a fresh, sweet taste, with a soup color that is a bright yellow-green and leaves that unfurl beautifully in the water.
The Scale of Yuezhou Longjing Production
Yuezhou Longjing’s tea plantation area spans about 180,000 acres, 90 times larger than West Lake Longjing’s, producing over 30,000 tons annually. This accounts for two-thirds of all Longjing tea production.
The tea gardens, located at an average altitude of 500 meters, are shrouded in clouds and mist year-round, making Yuezhou Longjing a truly organic delight.
Qiantang Tea Plantation: Qiantang Longjing (Hangzhou Longjing)
Qiantang Longjing, also known as Hangzhou Longjing, originates from several districts and counties within Hangzhou City, primarily along the banks of the Qiantang River.
This tea stands apart from its West Lake counterpart, yet follows a similar production process.
Key Characteristics of Qiantang Longjing Tea
Qiantang Longjing is mostly produced from local tea varieties like Longjing #43 and Wuniu Early.
Regarding appearance, it’s hard to distinguish Qiantang Longjing from West Lake Longjing. Both have a flat, greenish-yellow appearance.
However, upon brewing, Qiantang Longjing reveals its unique qualities.
The tea broth is a yellowish-green color, offering a long-lasting fragrance and a flavor that’s fresh, mellow, and invigorating.
For those with a discerning palate, you’ll notice that Qiantang Longjing’s dry tea is a bit more yellowish-green compared to West Lake Longjing, resembling the hue of brown rice.
Production Scale of Qiantang Longjing
While the annual production of Qiantang Longjing is less than Yuezhou Longjing, it still surpasses West Lake Longjing by more than 30 times.
With an annual yield of about 15,000 tons, Qiantang Longjing accounts for approximately one-third of all Longjing tea production.
Longjing Tea Varieties
Longjing tea isn’t just about its production areas; it’s also about the diverse tree varieties that contribute to its unique flavors and qualities.
Let’s explore the 8 main varieties that define Longjing tea:
Group Cultivated Variety
This is the original Longjing tea variety, known for its high quality.
Shifeng Longjing tea is of this variety and slightly curled with large leaves.
It has a unique orchid or bean flower flavor, lingers in your mouth, and stands up well to repeated brewing. Available from late March to mid-April, it’s mostly grown in the West Lake area.
Longjing #43
Developed by the Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, this variety is neat, with a strong bean flower and chestnut aroma. It’s fresh and crisp but less resistant to brewing.
This is the most common variety on the market, available from early March to late March.
Pingyang Early
Found in 1998 on Daping Mountain, Zhejiang, this variety is known for its high aroma and early harvest, usually in mid-February. While it looks good, its flavor is lighter.
Wuniu Early
From Wuniu Town, Zhejiang, this is the earliest spring tea variety. It’s often marketed as West Lake Longjing in early spring due to its similar appearance, but it’s not.
Dafo White Longjing
This variety was introduced to Xinchang in 2000 from Anji White Tea. It’s grown in high mountains and is known for its tender green color, strong taste, and high nutritional value.
Ying Shuang (Welcome Frost) Longjing
A hybrid of Fuding big white tea and Yunnan big leaf, this variety germinates early and can produce several rounds of buds throughout the year.
ZJN #117
Bred by Zhejiang University, this variety is suitable for black and green tea. It’s known for its strong aroma and refreshing flavor.
ZJN #139
Another variety from Zhejiang University, this tea has a high amino acid content and a distinctive aroma and flavor. It’s recognized for its early growth and high quality.
Each of these varieties contributes to the rich tapestry of Longjing tea, offering a range of flavors and experiences for tea enthusiasts.
Group Cultivar VS Longjing 43
In Longjing tea, age is more than just a number; it’s a key determinant of quality, especially when comparing Longjing #43 with the group cultivar.
The Impact of Age on Tea Quality
The group cultivar’s advantage is its age.
The original Xihu group cultivar stands out because, as tea trees age, the amino acid content in the leaves reaches a peak at around 9 years before gradually declining.
However, this isn’t a strict rule; there are exceptions.
The Richness of Old Tea Trees
An old tea tree’s leaves are treasure troves of polyphenols, aroma compounds, and sugars.
The older the tree, the sweeter the tea. But, the tree variety also plays a role in the longevity and pleasantness of this sweetness.
However, this benefit is unlimited. After about 60 years, the tea tree’s prime starts to wane, necessitating significant pruning when it reaches around 30 years.
Taste Profiles: Group Cultivar vs Longjing #43
The Longjing Group variety boasts a more textured and mineral-like flavor, akin to rocky granite, and it’s more robust against multiple steepings than Longjing #43.
Longjing #43, however, is a celebration of aroma. It presents a brighter, tighter, and smoother profile, albeit with a milder flavor and aroma than the group variety, particularly when harvested before dawn.
For those who savor a slightly sweeter green tea, Longjing #43 is an excellent choice. Its unique taste profile offers a delightful variation for green tea lovers.
The History of Longjing Tea
What does the Longjing mean?
u e onen what eae “Longjing” mean?
Appreciation from the Royalty
Spanning from the Tang Dynasty to the present day, the history of Longjing tea is as rich and complex as its flavors.
For those eager to delve deeper into this fascinating journey, exploring the History of Longjing Tea is an excellent starting point.
Longjing Tea Harvesting Time
For Chinese tea enthusiasts, the seasonal picking of teas, especially Longjing, is essential knowledge. The timing of the harvest greatly influences the tea’s quality and flavor.
Ming Qian Long Jing: The Early Harvest
Ming Qian Long Jing, harvested around the Qingming Festival (usually March 20 to April 5), is a product of ancient Chinese agricultural wisdom.
Like Longjing #43, this early spring tea is picked when the buds are young and tender, rich in aroma and flavor.
However, the bud count is limited and growth slow due to lower temperatures before Qingming, making this tea rare and valuable.
But remember, this timeline can shift based on the year’s weather. For instance, a cooler spring in 2017 delayed picking by about 10 days, reducing the quantity and increasing the price of Mingqian tea.
Mingqian Longjing is known for its light flavor and aroma, but a strong, sweet aftertaste offers subtle complexity.
Longjing Tea Before Rain: Yu Qian Tea
Picked before the Gu Yu Festival (around April 5 to April 20), Yu Qian Longjing comes from slightly older buds.
Though not as tender as Mingqian tea, it’s richer in flavor. It withstands steeping well, thanks to higher temperatures and faster bud growth. While less delicate than Mingqian, Yu Qian tea is still highly prized.
Both these early spring harvests allow the tea trees to rest during summer and fall, ensuring each harvest is balanced in taste, free from bitterness, and not overly dry.
Pre-Ming vs Pre-Rain: A Comparison
Early-picked teas like Ming Qian are more yellow, with a silvery fuzz and smaller leaves.
Later harvests have less fuzz and show a yellowish-green color with darker shades.
Summer Longjing teas are darker green, but beware, overly green Dragonwell teas may not taste as good and might not be authentic.
Different picking times lead to color, aroma, and taste variations, affecting the price point.
While it’s hard for novices to recognize these differences, seasoned tea lovers can discern them with experience.
How is Longjing tea made?
- Shake
- Purpose: Release moisture within leaves
- Key points: Palm up, fingers slightly spread and bent, shake tea held in the palm up and down, sprinkling evenly into the pan.
- Overlap
- Purpose: Flatten and broaden the tea leaves
- Key points: Palm down, four fingers together and curled up, thumb separated, turn palm down and press down onto leaves in the pan.
- Lift
- Purpose: Lift leaves in pan onto the palm for shaking and flattening
- Key points: Keep your palm flat and four fingers straight and together. Touch the palm to the leaves and the pan. Then, move the leaves along the wall of the pan into the palm.
- Flip
- Purpose: Leaves fall from pan edge to bottom, aligning neatly and rolling to wrap buds. Exchanges interior and exterior leaves and arranges them evenly.
- Key points: To throw leaves into the pan, spread your fingers slightly, bend your thumb, and flip your palm down. Wrap the leaves around the buds, align them, and release moisture. Used in the later stage of killing green.
- Soft Press
- Purpose: Make leaves smooth, slick, and flat
- Key points: Place your hand flat on the leaves in the pan to flatten the leaves. Keep fingers straight and together. Push the leaves firmly from the bottom of the pan towards the sides.
- Grip
- Purpose: Exchanges interior and exterior leaves, aligning them and straightening them.
- Key points: Basic movement in hand pan-firing. Palm down, fingers bent, grip leaves.
- Push
- Purpose: Make leaves light, flat, and even
- Key points: To compact the leaves, place your hand with palm down and fingers straight or bent. Keep your thumb slightly bent down. Push forward with force.
- Rub
- Purpose: Stronger than pushing, flattens and smooths leaves more
- Key points: Pushing and grabbing faster, hand friction on leaves, leaves rubbing together, leaves rubbing on the pan, making leaves getting smoother.
- Hard Press
- Purpose: Both hands press down forcefully on tea stems (one hand on the other’s back) with rubbing to further flatten and smooth leaves.
- Key points: While gripping, pushing, and rubbing, one palm presses on the back of the other.
- Twist
- Purpose: Straightens and evenly aligns the tea stems
- Key points: Open your thumb and index finger to grip leaves, forming a “tiger’s mouth.” Keep most leaves in the palm while using the middle and ring finger to grip and squeeze out.
Purchasing Tips: How to Choose Longjing Tea?
And I also prepared some recommended Longjing tea based on personal tasting experience to help you make preliminary comparisons before buying.
How to Brew Longjing Tea?
Benefits of Longjing Tea
How Long Does Longjing Tea Last?
Generally, if stored under the right conditions, Longjing tea has an impressive shelf life of about 1.5 to 1.8 years.
To enjoy Longjing tea at its best, it’s ideal to consume it soon after purchase.
However, if you have more than you can drink immediately, proper storage is key to maintaining its freshness and flavor.
Short-Term Storage (Up to 2 Weeks)
If you plan to drink your Longjing tea within two weeks, there’s no need for refrigeration.
Seal it in a ziplock bag and store it at room temperature. This method preserves the tea’s quality without the risk of moisture damage from frequent temperature changes.
Medium-Term Storage (Up to 3 Months)
For a storage period of up to three months, the freezer is your best option.
This helps retain the tea’s aroma and prevents spoilage. Just remember to seal it well in a ziplock bag before freezing.
Long-Term Storage (Up to 6 Months or More)
For those planning to enjoy their Longjing tea over six months, freezing is again recommended. Ensure the tea is tightly sealed to prevent any freezer burn or loss of flavor.
Tips for Avoiding Moisture Damage
Limiting the number of times the tea is taken out of the refrigerator or freezer is crucial.
Temperature fluctuations can cause condensation, leading to dampness and deterioration of the tea leaves.
After opening, reseal the tea in a ziplock bag and place it in a sealed box before returning it to the freezer.
Example for Practical Understanding:
- Chris buys 12 packs of Longjing tea, planning to consume them over a year.
- He keeps 1 pack on the dining table for daily use, stored in a ziplock bag at room temperature.
- He places 3 packs in the freezer, retrieving one pack each in the second, third, and fourth months.
- He stores 8 packs in the freezer. At the end of the fourth month, he moves one pack to the freezer for use in the fifth month.
- Before drinking, he thaws the remaining packs in the freezer a day in advance.
Remember, proper storage is crucial for enjoying Longjing tea at its best. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your tea remains fresh and flavorful throughout the year.
Is Longjing Tea Expensive?
Now that we’ve explored Longjing tea, a natural question arises: What about its price?
Indeed, the cost of Longjing tea varies, mainly depending on its grade.
For instance, top-grade teas like West Lake Longjing, especially those picked before the Qingming Festival, are relatively expensive.
This price difference is a testament to the tea’s quality, rarity, and the intricate processes involved in its cultivation and production.
Are you curious about why Dragon Well tea commands such high prices?
Delve into the details by reading Why is Dragon Well Tea So Expensive?
This exploration will comprehensively understand the factors contributing to its value, making your Longjing tea experience even more meaningful.
Longjing Tea Recipes
If you ever find yourself in Hangzhou’s Longjing Tea Culture Village, prepare for a culinary treat.
The authentic Longjing Tea Shrimp is a must-try dish among many farmhouse restaurants. This local specialty beautifully marries the freshness of Longjing tea with succulent shrimp.
The Delightful Longjing Tea Shrimp
Imagine a dish with tender, white shrimp infused with Longjing tea’s delicate aroma.
Each bite blends freshness and softness, with the shrimp’s natural flavors enhanced by the tea’s fragrance. This dish is refreshing and tasty and leaves a memorable aftertaste.
How to Make Longjing Tea Shrimp
Shrimp Preparation:
- Wash fresh shrimp in water three times until they’re snow-white.
- Pat them dry with kitchen paper.
- Place in a bowl, add salt, MSG, and egg white. Stir until sticky.
- Coat the shrimp evenly with dry starch.
Longjing Tea Preparation:
- Steep about 5g of Longjing tea in 50-60g of boiling water (90-100℃) for 1 minute. Don’t cover the cup.
- Strain 40g of tea broth for use, and set aside the rest.
Stir-Frying the Shrimp:
- Heat vegetable oil and lard in a frying pan.
- After about 15 seconds, add the shrimp. Quickly paddle to prevent sticking and fry for 15 seconds.
- Drain the shrimp in a colander.
- Remove excess oil from the wok, leaving just enough for frying.
- Return the shrimp to the wok, quickly add the tea leaves and broth, a little cooking wine or white wine, and season with salt and MSG.
- Stir-fry for a few seconds, then serve.
This dish is a culinary representation of the region’s rich tea culture. It’s an experience that goes beyond taste, immersing you in the traditional flavors of Hangzhou.
When visiting Longjing Tea Culture Village, take the chance to savor this unique fusion of Longjing tea and shrimp.
Conclusion
FAQs
What temperature should Dragon Well tea be?
How long do you steep Dragonwell tea?
What foods pair well with Dragon Well tea?
Is there any special teaware used for brewing Dragon Well tea?
How should Dragon Well tea be stored and kept fresh?
What are some common mistakes people make when preparing Dragon Well tea?
- Not preheating the brewing vessel which affects both aroma and flavor.
- Using water not between 80-90°C to brew the tea. Generally, boiling water left at room temperature for 3-4 minutes will cool to the ideal temperature.
- Using mineral-heavy brewing water, which can make the tea taste bitter.
How many times can you steep the same leaves of Dragon Well tea?
- Group cultivar:
- Longjing #43:
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I was born in Xinyang, home of Maojian tea. Eager to share my extensive tea knowledge. Welcome to my tea world.
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About
I was born in Xinyang, home of Maojian tea. Eager to share my extensive tea knowledge. Welcome to my tea world.
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