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What is Dragon Well Tea
A Deep Dive into Longjing Tea’s History, Varieties, and Benefits
Dragon Well Tea, or Longjing Tea, is a renowned Chinese tea celebrated for its exquisite flavor and cultural significance. This article will take you on a journey through the world of Lung Ching, exploring its origins, cultural impact, varieties, cultivation, and the art of brewing and storing it. We’ll also discuss its health benefits and how to identify high-quality Lung Ching. Let’s dive in!
Origin and Varieties of Dragon Well Tea
Longjing tea, a prized Chinese green tea, traces its roots back to the Tang Dynasty, with early records found in Lu Yu’s “The Classic of Tea”. It was first cultivated in the West Lake region of Hangzhou, where the tea derives its name and unique characteristics from the fertile soils and the area’s monsoon climate.
Throughout Chinese history, Lung Ching tea has been more than just a beverage; it’s a symbol of hospitality and a medium for social interactions. It was once a tribute tea for emperors, enjoying a reputation that has made it a sought-after delicacy both in China and abroad.
Longjing green tea is categorized into various types based on the region and specific cultivation practices:
West Lake Longjing (Xihu Longjing): Considered the most authentic and prestigious, cultivated near West Lake, Hangzhou. It is further divided into sub-regions like Shifeng, Meijiawu, and others, each offering a unique flavor profile.
Qiantang Longjing: Grown outside the West Lake area, it’s more affordable and has a broader appeal with its nutty aromas and sweet aftertaste, making it a popular choice among tea drinkers
Longjing No. 43: A cultivar known for its early germination and strong breeding ability, producing a tea with a neat appearance and less hair on the leaves.
Longjing Long Leaf: Selected for its early yield, high quality, and resistance to cold and pests, it boasts a larger germination density and a good hold on tenderness.
Anji Bai Cha: Although not a true Longjing, it’s often attributed to the Longjing family due to its similar appearance. It’s actually a white tea processed as a green tea, offering a full-bodied taste with grassy notes
How is Dragon Well Tea grown and made
Longjing tea thrives in the West Lake region of Hangzhou, where the climate is humid and the soil is rich in loam and silt. These conditions are crucial for developing the tea’s unique flavor.
The best Longjing tea is harvested in early spring, particularly before the Qing Ming festival. The leaves are picked when they are most tender, usually the first flush of the season.
Tea pickers select only the top two leaves and a bud, known as “two leaves and a bud”. This ensures the tea has a delicate flavor and the highest quality.
Freshly picked leaves are withered to reduce their moisture content, which helps in enhancing the tea’s natural aroma.
A traditional technique where leaves are stir-fried in a hot wok. This halts oxidation and shapes the leaves, giving Longjing its flat, smooth appearance.
The leaves are then shaped by hand, using a series of specialized movements that include pressing and rolling, which contribute to the tea’s final form.
The final step involves drying the leaves to prevent spoilage. This is done carefully to preserve the tea’s color, aroma, and flavor.
Quality Characteristics of Dragon Well Tea
High-quality Longjing tea has a flat, smooth leaf shape. The color is a vibrant green, with each leaf uniformly colored, indicating careful processing.
It boasts a fresh and inviting aroma. The scent is often described as grassy with a hint of chestnuts, reflecting the tea’s natural growth environment.
The taste is characterized by a delicate sweetness upfront, followed by a slightly astringent finish. The flavor is well-rounded, with a clean and refreshing aftertaste.
Longjing tea has a rich mouthfeel. It’s smooth and velvety, coating the palate and leaving a lasting impression.
When infused, the leaves unfurl, displaying a vibrant green color. This is a sign of the tea’s freshness and quality.
Each cup of Longjing tea offers a sensory experience that reflects its high-quality cultivation and meticulous processing.
What are the benefits of Longjing tea
Longjing tea is packed with antioxidants like catechins, which fight free radicals and protect cells from damage.
The catechins in Longjing tea can lower bad cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease, promoting cardiovascular health.
This tea can enhance cognitive function and memory, thanks to its caffeine and antioxidant content, which support brain health.
Longjing tea can aid in weight loss by boosting metabolism and increasing fat oxidation, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.
Rich in vitamins and minerals, Longjing tea strengthens the immune system, keeping you healthy and resilient.
The amino acid L-theanine in Longjing tea reduces stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation and better sleep quality.
The antioxidants in Longjing tea protect the skin from environmental damage and slow down the aging process, contributing to youthful-looking skin.
Longjing tea contains fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel and prevents tooth decay, supporting dental health.
How to Select Longjing Tea
High-quality Longjing has flat, smooth leaves that are vibrant green in color.A fresh aroma with a hint of chestnuts is a good sign. Avoid teas with a musty or old smell.The tea liquid should be pale green and clear. A brownish or cloudy color may indicate poor quality.A sweet, fresh taste with a slight astringency is desirable. Bitterness or a bland taste can be a red flag.While price isn’t always indicative of quality, extremely cheap Longjing tea may not offer the best experience.Trustworthy sellers are more likely to provide genuine and high-quality Longjing tea.The best Longjing tea is harvested in early spring, known as “pre-Qingming” tea.Certifications like “Geographical Indication” can ensure the tea’s origin and quality.Ensure the tea is stored properly to maintain its freshness and flavor.
How to brew longjing green tea
Use water heated to 75-85°C (167-185°F). Too hot, and it will scald the leaves.Aim for a ratio of 1-2 teaspoons of leaves per 200 ml (6.7 oz) of water.Use a glass teapot or a ceramic gaiwan to showcase the tea’s beauty and aroma.Rinse the teapot and cups with hot water to warm them before brewing.Steep for 2-3 minutes for the first infusion. Subsequent infusions may require slightly longer times.Don’t let the leaves soak for too long; this can result in a bitter taste.Longjing tea can be infused multiple times, with each infusion revealing different flavors.Always use fresh, cold water. Stale or chlorinated water can affect the taste.Pour the water gently over the leaves to allow them to slowly unfurl.Watch the leaves as they open, releasing their flavors and aromas.Longjing tea offers a unique experience with each cup, appreciate the subtle changes.
How to store Dragon Well Tea
Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and quality of your Longjing tea. Follow these guidelines to enjoy your tea at its best.
Store your Longjing tea in a cool place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.Use airtight containers to prevent exposure to air, which can degrade the tea’s flavor.Store tea away from strong smells. Longjing tea can easily absorb odors from other foods.Ensure your storage container and area are dry. Dampness can lead to mold.Ceramic or glass jars are ideal as they do not affect the tea’s taste.Do not store in plastic bags as they can impart unwanted flavors.Use your tea on a first-in, first-out basis to ensure you enjoy the freshest tea.Longjing tea should be kept in a dark place or in a container that blocks light.Freezing can change the texture and flavor of the tea leaves.Mark the purchase date on your container to track the age of your tea.
Dragon Well Tea is a treasure of Chinese tea culture, with a rich history and distinctive flavor profile. Its unique growing conditions and meticulous crafting process result in a tea that is revered worldwide.
Each sip of Longjing tea is a journey through China’s heritage, offering a taste of tradition and wellness. Experience the pinnacle of tea artistry for yourself.
Try the authentic taste of Longjing tea today and experience the wellness benefits for yourself.”
