Detailed Introduction of Our Xi Hu Longjing Green Tea
Indulge in the excellence of our West Lake Longjing tea (or Xihu Dragon Well Longjing tea), a proud emblem of Hangzhou’s pristine West Lake region. Our Longjing tea carries the prestigious badge of a Geographical Indication product, a testament to its genuine origin and the traditional cultivation methods preserved through generations. Handpicked with care during the most auspicious times of the year—pre-Qingming and pre-Grain Rain—our tea captures the essence of spring, offering a taste that is as rejuvenating as it is profound.
Highlights of Our Dragon Well Long Jing Green Tea
- Origin: Nestled in the heart of Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, our Dragon Well Longjing tea is a jewel from the revered West Lake district. This cherished location, enveloped by the lush, misty hills, provides an idyllic environment for our tea, cultivating its unique character and subtle complexities.
Harvest Season: Precision and timing are key to our harvest, with each leaf handpicked in the serene cool of early spring. This meticulous selection process, focused on the pre-Qingming and pre-Grain Rain periods, captures the youthful vigor and pristine essence of the tea, ensuring a brew that’s rich in history and flavor.
Craftsmanship: Our tea masters, with generations of knowledge flowing through their veins, employ age-old techniques refined over centuries. This deep-rooted tradition guarantees that every cup of Dragon Well Longjing tea you enjoy is a testament to the art and soul of Chinese tea culture.
Aroma: A delicate blend of chestnut warmth and subtle vegetal freshness defines the aroma of our Longjing tea, inviting you into a world of tranquility and refined pleasure with each sip.
Flavor: The flavor profile of our Longjing tea is a harmonious blend of nutty richness and smooth, mellow sweetness, underscored by a refreshing, slightly floral aftertaste. This exquisite balance is the hallmark of our finest quality leaves, offering a taste that is both invigorating and soothing.
Appearance: The elegance of Longjing tea is evident in its appearance – flat, smooth leaves that unfurl gracefully in hot water, revealing a soft, jade green color. This visual beauty is a prelude to the quality and depth of the tea experience that awaits.
Storage: We recommend storing our Longjing tea in a cool, dry place, shielded from sunlight and any strong odors. Our thoughtfully designed packaging not only preserves the tea’s freshness but also its full-bodied aroma and exquisite flavor.
Shelf Life: Designed to deliver its best taste within 12 months, our Longjing tea is a gentle nudge to cherish the fleeting moments of life, making every sip a celebration of the present.
Purity: With a 99% purity level, our Longjing tea stands as a pure embodiment of the pristine conditions of its origin. This level of purity ensures that each cup is a clear reflection of the natural splendor and the meticulous attention to detail in its creation.
Packaging: Beyond mere containment, our packaging is a beacon of our commitment to excellence, freshness, and the legacy of Longjing tea. It is crafted to mirror the sophistication and rich heritage of one of China’s most esteemed teas, ensuring that each leaf reaches you in perfect condition.
West Lake Longjing Tea's Prices
West Lake Longjing tea, a revered emblem of Chinese tea culture, is celebrated not just for its exquisite taste and aroma but also for its storied heritage. The price of this esteemed tea is a reflection of several key factors, each contributing to its unparalleled quality and the experience it offers. As we explore the distinctions between the Pre-Qingming and Pre-Grain Rain harvests and the difference between Special and First Grade teas, it becomes clear why each variant holds its unique value.
Why Pre-Qingming Harvested Longjing Tea is More expensive?
- Pre-Qingming Harvest: Known as the “first flush,” tea leaves harvested before the Qingming festival (April 4 or 5) are prized for their delicate flavor, light aroma, and tender, young leaves. This period falls in early spring, a time when the tea plants awaken from winter dormancy to yield the first shoots of the season. The limited window for harvesting these shoots, coupled with the labor-intensive process of hand-picking the finest leaves under specific weather conditions, significantly influences the price. Pre-Qingming Dragon Well Longjing tea, due to its rarity and the exquisite quality of these early spring leaves, is positioned at a higher price point.
- Pre-Grain Rain Harvest: Following the Pre-Qingming period, the Pre-Grain Rain harvest still offers exceptional quality but comes from leaves picked slightly later in the spring. These leaves, while still highly valued for their flavor and health benefits, are more abundant and harvested under less stringent conditions. Consequently, Pre-Grain Rain Longjing tea is priced lower than its Pre-Qingming counterpart, offering a more accessible option without compromising the authentic Longjing tea experience.
Why Premium Grade Longjing Tea is More Expensive
Usually, Xi Hu Longjing tea can be classified into four classes based on their quality and apperances: Premium Grade, first grade, second grade and third grade. The higher the grade, the better the tea’s quality. The following two paragraphs show why:
Premium Grade: The pinnacle of Longjing tea, Special Grade, is reserved for the most perfect leaves: those that meet stringent criteria for size, color, aroma, and flavor. These leaves are typically the youngest and most tender, handpicked and processed with extraordinary care to preserve their natural beauty and delicate nuances. The meticulous attention to detail required at every step, from cultivation through to processing, justifies the premium price of Special Grade Longjing tea.
First Grade: While still offering a superb tea experience, First Grade Longjing tea encompasses leaves that are slightly larger or vary more in appearance compared to the Special Grade. These leaves still deliver the distinctive Longjing flavor but may lack the same level of uniformity and perfection found in the Special Grade. As a result, First Grade Longjing tea is available at a more accessible price point, providing an excellent option for tea lovers seeking quality and authenticity.
Unveil the Distinction Between Our Pre-Qingming and Pre-Grain Rain Longjing Tea
In the world of Longjing tea, timing is everything. The harvest periods of Pre-Qingming and Pre-Grain Rain Longjing teas encapsulate moments of nature’s renewal, each offering its own exceptional qualities. However, the Pre-Qingming harvest stands as the pinnacle of tea craftsmanship, capturing the essence of spring at its most tender. Here’s why Pre-Qingming Longjing tea is a revered choice among tea aficionados:
Aroma: The Pre-Qingming Longjing tea is celebrated for its extraordinarily fresh and delicate aroma, a whisper of spring’s first bloom. This aroma is subtly complex, blending floral notes with a hint of sweet grass, a testament to its harvest before the Qingming festival. The Pre-Grain Rain tea, while also fragrant, carries a slightly fuller body, reflecting the mature spring season.
Flavor: The flavor of Pre-Qingming Longjing tea is unmatched in its elegance and refinement. It offers a gentle, yet distinct sweetness, accompanied by a clean, lingering aftertaste that evokes the pure, crisp air of early spring mornings. In comparison, Pre-Grain Rain Longjing has a bolder taste, with a richness that speaks to the deeper energies of full spring.
Color and Appearance: With an impeccable standard of selection, Pre-Qingming Longjing tea boasts the most vibrant green hues, a visual joy that promises the freshest tea experience. Its leaves are tender and perfectly shaped, reflecting the meticulous care in harvesting. Pre-Grain Rain Longjing, though beautiful, has a slightly less luminous appearance, indicative of its later harvest time.
Purity and Freshness: Harvested in the fleeting days before the Qingming festival, Pre-Qingming Longjing tea embodies the pinnacle of purity and freshness. This premium timing ensures a tea that is vibrant, rich in antioxidants, and full of the vital essence of spring. Pre-Grain Rain, harvested shortly after, still offers freshness but with a touch more maturity as the season progresses.
Craftsmanship: The crafting of Pre-Qingming Longjing tea is a celebration of tradition and precision, requiring the utmost skill from tea masters. This period demands an exacting standard of hand-picking and roasting that imbues the tea with a lightness and depth unmatched by the more abundant Pre-Grain Rain harvest.
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Why Our Premium Grade Surpasses First Grade and More Expensive
When indulging in the revered tradition of Longjing tea, discerning enthusiasts will note that our Premium Grade selection offers an unparalleled experience, distinguished significantly from the First Grade. This distinction is not merely a matter of classification but a testament to the exceptional quality, meticulous cultivation, and artisanal processing that Premium Grade Longjing tea undergoes. Here’s why Premium Grade is a sublime choice:
Aroma: The aroma of Premium Grade Xi Hu Longjing tea is a harmonious blend of the freshest spring air and a subtle nutty warmth, evoking the serene landscapes of its West Lake origin. This intricate aroma is more pronounced and refined than what you’ll find in First Grade, offering a more captivating and luxurious sensory experience.
Flavor: With a flavor as pure as the first dew of spring, Premium Grade Longjing tea presents a delicate yet profound sweetness, accompanied by a velvety smooth finish. The balance of vegetal freshness and a hint of roasted chestnut is more nuanced in the Premium Grade, providing a richer and more satisfying taste profile.
Color and Appearance: The leaves of Premium Grade Xi Hu Longjing are meticulously selected for their uniformity and vibrant, jade-green color, indicative of their superior quality. In contrast, First Grade may display a slightly broader range of color and shape, reflecting a difference in the precise selection process.
Purity and Freshness: Premium Grade Longjing tea is harvested at the optimal moment during the pre-Qingming period, ensuring the highest purity and freshness. This early harvest captures the essence of spring, resulting in a tea that is more vibrant and lively compared to the later-harvested First Grade.
Craftsmanship: The production of Premium Grade Longjing tea is an art form, requiring skilled artisans who utilize traditional hand-roasting techniques to shape and dry the leaves. This labor-intensive process enhances the tea’s flavor, aroma, and appearance, distinguishing it from the more mechanically processed First Grade.
Why Longjing Tea Is So Special
Xi Hu Longjing tea‘s unmatched quality, coupled with its cultural significance and health benefits, such as its high antioxidant content and stress-relieving properties, make it a standout among green teas. It’s a refined choice for those seeking an extraordinary tea-drinking experience, embodying the harmony between nature, craftsmanship, and the art of tea
Longjing Tea: The Green Tea That Stands Apart
- Unique Origin: Hails from the scenic West Lake region in Hangzhou, imbued with a distinct terroir that nurtures its unmatched flavor.
- Distinct Flavor: Offers a sweet, mellow taste unique to Dragon Well Longjing tea, with no bitterness, highlighted by subtle nutty undertones, often compared to chestnut.
- Traditional Craftsmanship: Involves skilled artisans hand-picking the finest leaves in early spring, followed by precise, quick pan-firing to halt oxidation, preserving its vibrant green hue.
- Visual Appeal: Characterized by its iconic, flat, and smooth leaves—a result of meticulous handcrafting—making it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
- Aromatic Experience: Delivers a refreshing yet comforting aroma, a serene blend of vegetal freshness and roasted warmth, inviting with each brew.
- Health Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, it supports overall well-being, including stress relief and aiding in digestion, without the heaviness of some other green teas.
- Cultural Significance: Revered in Chinese tea culture for centuries, Dragon Well Longjing tea is not just a beverage but a storied tradition, embodying the essence of high-quality green tea.
This distinctive combination of unique origin, flavor, craftsmanship, and health benefits cements Xi Hu Longjing tea’s special status among green teas, offering tea enthusiasts a sublime, refined experience that goes beyond mere refreshment.
Longjing Tea vs Bi Luo Chun
Exploring the nuanced differences between Longjing Tea and Bi Luo Chun illuminates why Longjing holds a distinctive charm. Here, we delve into the unique attributes that celebrate Longjing Tea’s prominence:
Geographical Origin: Longjing Tea, a jewel of Hangzhou, thrives in the unique microclimate of the West Lake region. This terroir bestows upon it a distinguished flavor profile that sets it apart from other teas, including Bi Luo Chun.
Leaf Appearance: The leaves of Longjing tea are a visual testament to the skill behind their crafting. Achieving their signature flat and smooth appearance demands precise pan-frying techniques, a hallmark of its processing that contrasts with the tight, spiral curls of Bi Luo Chun.
Flavor Profile: The flavor of Longjing tea is where its distinction truly shines. Offering a subtle yet profound depth, it carries a smooth, velvety finish with nuanced chestnut notes. This refinement stands in contrast to Bi Luo Chun’s more pronounced fruity and floral characteristics.
- Aroma: Longjing tea’s aroma is another facet of its elegance. Its gentle, sweet fragrance offers a soothing olfactory experience, quite different from the potent, fresh fruit-like aroma characteristic of Bi Luo Chun.
- Optimal Longjing tea is harvested pre-Qingming, capturing the essence of early spring in its leaves. This precise timing ensures the collection of the most tender and flavorful leaves, a practice that underscores its premium quality.
- Versatility in Brewing: While Longjing tea’s nuanced flavors are best enjoyed in a straightforward brew, its versatility allows for experimentation without losing its inherent qualities, accommodating various palates and brewing styles.
Health Effects of Drinking Longjing Tea
Xi Hu Longjing tea, a treasured green tea from the West Lake region of Hangzhou, is not only celebrated for its exquisite taste and aroma but also for its array of health benefits.
Six Key Health Benefits Longjing Tea Brings
Here are six remarkable benefits that Dragon Well Longjing tea offers:
1. Antioxidant Powerhouse
Longjing tea is rich in catechins, a type of antioxidant that fights off cellular damage and reduces inflammation. Drinking Longjing tea can help protect the body against free radicals, contributing to overall health and potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
2. Enhances Mental Alertness
Thanks to its moderate caffeine content, Longjing tea provides a gentle boost in alertness and concentration. Unlike the jolt often associated with coffee, the caffeine in Longjing tea releases more slowly into the bloodstream, promoting a state of calm alertness without the jittery side effects.
3. Supports Heart Health
Regular consumption of Longjing tea is linked to a healthier cardiovascular system. The antioxidants and polyphenolic compounds in this tea may help lower bad cholesterol levels and improve the ratio of good cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.
4. Aids in Weight Management
Longjing tea can be a valuable addition to a weight management routine. Its components may help accelerate metabolism and increase fat oxidation. Furthermore, the ritual of preparing and enjoying a cup of Longjing tea can provide a mindful, satisfying experience that helps curb cravings.
5. Skin Health Enhancer
The antioxidants in Longjing tea not only protect internal cells but also help shield the skin from premature aging caused by UV radiation and environmental pollutants. Regular drinkers may notice a more radiant, healthy complexion over time.
6. Digestive Health Support
Longjing tea is known for its mild, soothing properties, making it a friendly choice for the digestive system. It can help improve digestion and reduce bloating, thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects and its ability to aid in the breakdown of fats.
Caffeine Content: Longjing Tea vs. Coffee
When it comes to caffeine, Longjing tea and coffee serve different needs and preferences. Understanding their caffeine content can help you make an informed choice based on your lifestyle and health requirements.
Longjing tea, a revered variety of green tea, contains approximately 20-30 mg of caffeine per 8 oz serving. This amount can vary slightly depending on factors like brewing time and leaf freshness. In contrast, an 8 oz cup of coffee typically contains about 95-200 mg of caffeine, significantly higher than Longjing tea.
This difference positions Longjing tea as an ideal beverage for those seeking a milder caffeine boost. Its lower caffeine content offers a gentle lift, enhancing alertness without the potential for jitters or the caffeine crash commonly associated with higher caffeine beverages like coffee.
Moreover, Longjing tea provides a serene drinking experience, coupling the mild energizing effects of caffeine with a rich array of antioxidants. This combination not only supports physical health but also promotes a sense of calm and well-being.
Choosing between Dragon Well Longjing tea and coffee depends on your caffeine sensitivity and personal preference. For those looking for a subtle energy boost and a healthful drink packed with antioxidants, Longjing tea emerges as a stellar choice. It’s an inviting option for both tea aficionados and those looking to moderate their caffeine intake, offering a balanced alternative to the robust caffeine levels found in coffee.
Why Our Longjing Tea Tastes So Good?
Pristine Origin
Our Dragon Well Longjing tea comes from the revered West Lake region in Hangzhou, where the unique microclimate and fertile soils imbue the tea leaves with a delicate balance of flavors. The mist-covered hills and clean water sources contribute to a tea that is naturally sweet, with a depth of flavor that is unmatched
Expert Harvesting
We handpick only the youngest and most tender leaves at the peak of their freshness during the early spring, specifically before the Qingming festival. This meticulous selection process ensures our Longjing tea is of the highest quality, capturing the essence of spring with every sip.
Traditional Processing
Following centuries-old techniques, our tea masters skillfully pan-fire the handpicked leaves, a method that halts oxidation and preserves the tea's vibrant green color. This careful, artisanal approach enhances the tea's natural flavors, creating a smooth, rich taste profile with no bitterness.
Single-Origin Purity
Each batch of our Longjing tea comes exclusively from our trusted, single-origin farm, ensuring consistency and purity of flavor. By maintaining a close relationship with our growers and overseeing every step from leaf to cup, we guarantee a Longjing tea that is not just good but exceptional in taste
Brew and Store Dragon Well Longjing Tea
How to Brew Longjing Tea: A Unique Ritual
Brewing Longjing tea is an art form that celebrates its rich heritage and delicate flavor. Follow these steps to unlock the full potential of this exquisite tea.
Step 1: Selecting the Right Water
Spring Water Magic: Start with soft, spring water to preserve the subtle flavors of Dragon Well Longjing tea. The quality of water can significantly impact the tea’s taste, as chlorinated or hard water may mask its delicate nuances.
Step 2: Optimal Water Temperature
Cooler Than You Think: Heat the water to 80-85°C (176-185°F). Xi Hu Longjing green tea thrives at lower temperatures compared to black or oolong teas. This prevents the delicate leaves from scalding, ensuring a smoother, more refined taste.
Step 3: Measure the Perfect Amount
The Golden Ratio: Use about 3-4 grams of Longjing tea for every 150ml of water. This ratio balances intensity and flavor, allowing the tea’s character to shine without overwhelming the palate.
Step 4. The Art of Steeping
Gentle Infusion: Pour the water over the tea leaves in a circular motion, ensuring an even soak. Steep for about 2 minutes. This gentle infusion method allows the leaves to unfurl slowly, releasing their full spectrum of flavors.
Step 5. Savoring the Brew
Decant with Care: Carefully pour the tea into cups, ensuring not to disturb the leaves too much. Enjoy the tea in small sips to fully appreciate its complex flavor profile, from the initial grassy notes to the sweet, nutty finish.
Relevant Tips While Brewing Longjing Tea
Brewing Longjing tea is not just about following steps; it’s about embracing an experience. These unique tips will elevate your Longjing tea brewing, making each cup a masterpiece of flavor and tradition.
Tip 1. Pre-warm Your Teaware
Embrace the Warmth: Before introducing tea leaves to the pot, pre-warm your teaware with hot water. This simple act not only honors traditional tea-making rituals but also prepares the vessel to maintain the ideal temperature for brewing Longjing tea. A warm teapot or cup ensures that the tea’s temperature remains consistent, allowing its delicate flavors to fully develop without the shock of a cold environment.
Tip 2. Master the Pour
The Zen Pour: When adding water to your tea, adopt a high pour starting from about 6 inches above. This aerates the water, gently awakening the Longjing leaves, encouraging a smooth, even release of flavors. The interaction between the water and air, as it descends into the pot, enhances the tea’s natural sweetness and aroma, providing a sensory experience even before the first sip.
Tip 3: Observe the Leaves
A Visual Symphony: Part of the magic of brewing Longjing tea lies in watching the leaves dance as they steep. Initially, they gracefully sink, slowly unfurling and eventually rising again to the surface in a delicate ballet. This not only serves as a visual timer for the brewing process but also connects you more deeply with your tea, making the act of preparation as enjoyable as the drinking itself. Observing this dance allows you to gauge the readiness of your tea, ensuring a perfect brew every time.
Best Practices to Store Longjing Tea
Preserving the freshness and delicate flavors of Longjing tea requires more than just sealing it away. Here are four unique practices to ensure your Longjing tea remains as vibrant and aromatic as the day it was picked.
Opt for Airtight Elegance
Seal the Freshness: Store Longjing tea in airtight containers to protect it from air and moisture, which can degrade its quality. For a touch of tradition, consider using tea caddies made from materials like porcelain or tin. These not only offer an effective seal but also pay homage to the tea’s heritage, blending functionality with cultural appreciation.
Shun the Sun
Embrace the Shadows: Light, especially direct sunlight, is a formidable foe of Longjing tea, leading to the loss of its subtle flavors and vibrant green color. Select storage locations that are away from light sources, such as a cupboard or pantry. This practice ensures the tea’s chlorophyll is preserved, maintaining its signature hue and taste.
Coolness is Key
Chill with Care: While extreme temperatures are detrimental, storing Longjing tea in a cool, stable environment helps retain its freshness. Avoid the refrigerator, where fluctuating humidity levels can introduce moisture to the tea. Instead, find a cool spot in your home that remains consistently temperate, safeguarding the tea’s delicate essence.
Solo Storage
Preserve Its Purity: Longjing tea’s nuanced flavors can easily be compromised by odors from other foods or spices. Dedicate a specific storage space for your Longjing tea, away from strong-smelling items. This isolation prevents unwanted scent transfer, ensuring that each brew offers an untainted taste profile, true to its origins.
By following these tailored storage practices, you ensure that your Longjing tea remains a pristine representation of its legendary roots, offering an authentic experience with every steep.
Frequently Asked Questions about Our West Lake Longjing Tea
What makes your Longjing tea authentic?
Our Longjing tea is sourced directly from the pristine West Lake region in Hangzhou, known for its optimal climate and soil conditions that are quintessential for growing the finest Longjing tea. Each leaf is handpicked with care, ensuring authenticity and unparalleled quality.
How can I identify high-quality Longjing tea?
High-quality Longjing tea boasts a vibrant green color, a soothing, grassy aroma, and a flat, smooth shape. When brewed, it should yield a light green or yellow hue, with a clean, mellow taste, free from bitterness, embodying the essence of spring.
Can I re-steep Longjing tea leaves, and if so, how often?
Yes, Longjing tea leaves can be re-steeped multiple times, often up to three or four infusions. With each steeping, new layers of flavor unfold, offering a nuanced tea-drinking experience. To enjoy, simply adjust the steeping time slightly with each infusion.
What is the best way to enjoy Longjing tea?
For the ultimate Longjing tea experience, we recommend using a transparent glass or a traditional Chinese porcelain cup. Begin with pre-warmed teaware, and allow the tea to steep for about 2 minutes before enjoying. This method highlights the tea’s delicate flavor and aromatic profile.
Is there a specific time of day that's best for drinking Longjing tea?
Longjing tea is a versatile beverage that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Its uplifting yet calming effects make it perfect for morning revitalization or an afternoon refresh. However, due to its caffeine content, consider enjoying it earlier if caffeine affects your sleep.
How does the flavor of Longjing tea change with the season of harvest?
Longjing tea harvested pre-Qingming (early spring) is prized for its tender, young leaves offering a delicate, sweet flavor. As the season progresses, the flavor becomes slightly fuller and more robust, reflecting the natural growth cycle of the tea plant.
How should I store my Longjing tea to maintain its freshness?
Store your Longjing tea in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, moisture, and odors. An airtight container is ideal to preserve its delicate flavors. Proper storage will ensure that your Longjing tea remains fresh and delightful for every brew.
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