Longjing

Longjing or Dragon Well is a variety of pan-roasted green tea from the area of Longjing Village in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. It is produced mostly by hand and renowned for its high quality, earning it the China Famous Tea title.

History

Longjing tea was granted the status of Gong Cha, or imperial tea, during the Qing Dynasty by the Kangxi Emperor. According to the legend, the Kangxi Emperor's grandson visited West Lake during one of his famous holidays. He went to the Hu Gong Temple under the Lion Peak Mountain (Shi Feng Shan) and was presented with a cup of Longjing tea. In this temple, he found 18 tea bushes. He was so impressed that he proclaimed those 18 tea bushes as imperial tea bushes.

Production

Longjing is often called the national drink of China and is frequently given to visiting heads of state. It is also a favorite tea of today's top leaders, with a portion of production reserved for government gifts.

Longjing, which literally translates as "dragon well," is said to have named after a well that contains relatively dense water, and after rain the lighter rainwater floating on its surface sometimes exhibits a sinuous and twisting boundary with the well water, which is supposed to resemble the movement of a Chinese dragon.

Taste and Brewing

Longjing tea leaves experience a complex manufacturing process that results in a tea with a sweet, delicate aroma and a unique, flat appearance. The taste of the tea is smooth and has a pleasing vegetal flavor, most often compared to the taste of freshly picked leaves, with a slightly sweet aftertaste.

Longjing tea is best brewed with water around 75 to 80 °C (167 to 176 °F) and can be re-brewed several times at higher temperatures.

Varieties

There are several types of Longjing tea, each with their unique taste and appearance. The most famous of these is the Shi Feng Longjing. Other varieties include Meijiawu Longjing, Bai Longjing, and Qiantang Longjing.

Health Benefits

Longjing tea is rich in amino acids, vitamin C, and antioxidants. It aids in reducing the risk of certain diseases such as heart disease and cancer. It also helps in weight loss and improves skin health.