TeaFYI

Longjing (Dragon Well)

Longjing 43, Qunti

Longjing (Dragon Well) green tea tea — watercolor illustration
Oxidation 2%
Caffeine 18.0 mg
L-Theanine 9.0 mg
Harvest Spring (March-April)
Altitude 200-500m
Leaf Type One bud one leaf, flat pressed

Description

Longjing, also called Dragon Well, is China's most celebrated green tea, produced near Hangzhou in Zhejiang province. The leaves are hand-pressed flat in a heated wok, creating distinctive sword-shaped leaves with a smooth, chestnut-like sweetness and clean vegetal finish. Pre-Qingming harvest (before April 5) commands the highest prices.

Brewing Guide

Temperature 80°C
Steep Time 90s
Water Ratio 75ml/g
Infusions 3x

Recommended vessel: Tall glass cup (direct brewing)

Longjing is traditionally brewed directly in a tall glass so the flat leaves can be watched as they unfurl and dance. Use the 'pour first, then add leaves' method (shang tou fa) for pre-Qingming grades. Do not cover the glass.

Part of the Beverage FYI Family