Longjing Tea (Dragon Well)
The Emperor of Green Teas
Origin & Craft
Hailing from Hangzhou’s West Lake region , Longjing is China’s most celebrated green tea. Harvested during the 24 solar terms, its production follows a 1,200-year-old protocol:
· Pre-Qingming (Ming Qian) Grade : Plucked before April 5th, yielding the rarest buds with invisible white hairs
· Hand-Fired Mastery : Wok-roasted using ten artisanal techniques like "Grasp, Press, Sway" (搭、拓、抖) to lock in freshness
Visual Signature
Flat, sword-shaped leaves with jade-green luster, bearing the "Three Wonders" of quality:
00001. Apricot Blossom Hue : Yellowish-green base tone
2 Tender Chestnut Edge : Slight browning from precise roasting
00002. Silken Surface : Result of 8-hour post-firing "Hui Guo" polishing
Aroma Profile
A layered bouquet unfolding in sequence:
· Dry leaf: Roasted sweet corn
· Pre-infusion: Fresh-cut bamboo
· Post-brew: Steamed asparagus with a whisper of orchid
Flavor Journey
A textural marvel balancing umami and sweetness:
· First sip: Buttery edamame creaminess
· Mid-palate: Sun-dried seaweed minerality
· Finish: Honeydew melon lingering with "cool throat" sensation (喉韵)
Brewing Alchemy
00001. Water : 175°F (80°C) spring water, low mineral content
00002. Vessel : Glass tumbler for "tea dance" observation
00003. Method :
· 3g leaves + 1/3 cup water → Swirl to awaken aroma
· Top up water → Watch leaves pirouette vertically
00004. Steep Time : 90 seconds for three perfect infusions
Health & Wellness
A natural elixir containing:
· 20% EGCG (superior to standard green teas)
· Rare L-theanine/EGCG 1:1 ratio for calm alertness
· Proven benefits for metabolic syndrome and UV protection
Cultural Legacy
· Qing Emperor Qianlong’s imperial tribute tea
