Longjing Dragon Well Tea from Hangzhou, China

Cultivation and Prepration of the Most Famous Green Tea in China

Feb 11, 2009

Longjing of Dragon Well tea from the West Lake region of Hangzhou, China, is one of the highest quality green teas prized for drinking and cooking.

A short trip outside of Shanghai, lies the tranquil city of Hongzhou with its sloping hilled terraces lined with row upon row of tea plants. On a peaceful and sunny afternoon dozens of mostly female workers can be seen hunched over the leaves, gently plucking them from the branches. This is Dragon Well tea, the most famous green tea in the world.

Outside the famous West Lake region, this world-renowned tea growing area situated in the village of Longjing- literally meaning “Dragon Well”- takes its name from a dragon who was said to have taken up residence in the dense waters of the well and controlled the rainfall in the area.

Cultivation and Classification of Longjing Green Tea: Types of Tea

Produced for more than 1000 years in this area of China, Longjing tea possesses four qualities that set it above other teas: emerald green colour, aromatic flavour, overall appearance, and crisp and refreshing taste. Once favoured by emperors, the tea is produced in three main classes, the highest being the “Superior” grade whose supreme taste is also reflected in its supreme price: a small canister can retail for more than $50. Second grade tea is referred to as “Special” and the remaining lower-grade tea is lumped into a numbered category of 1 to 5.

The harvest time for Longjing tea is a short six weeks, with the first two weeks producing the superior grade. Once picked, the leaves must be hand roasted the same day. A roaster uses his or her bare hands in order to feel both the heat and the dryness of the leaves. Once roasted, the leaves are ready for immediate consumption.

Many tea plantations can be found among the hills, each producing Longjing tea. Most plantations offer visitors an introduction to the history and practice of tea growing, sample cups of tea, and the inevitable sales pitch. Purchasing tea directly from the plantation is recommended to assure quality product. The master tea-packers will stuff more tea than believed possible into a chosen canister based on quantity and price. The tea will stay fresh and crisp for up to three years if it remains in a refrigerator, safe from humidity. The leaves used for one cup of Longjing tea can be reused throughout the course of the same day. It is not the first cup of tea, but the second that is said to be the most flavourful.

Purchasing Longjing Green Loose Leaf Tea: Beware of Imposters

So coveted, there are many imposters passing as Longjing tea. Longjing tea falls into three categories: those produced within the West Lake area of Hangzhou, those produced outside the West Lake area but within the Zheijang province, and those that are produced elsewhere utilizing the Longjing production techniques. In addition to these categories, there are also low grade imposters which are not Longjing tea but mere poor quality substitutes for the same price. Whether purchasing tea within China or abroad, the quality of tea will be reflected in the price.

The health benefits of green tea are plentiful, making it a popular drink and souvenir for its antioxidants and metabolism-increasing properties. Also used in cooking, Dragon Well shrimp or Longjing Xia Ren is a popular dish in which shrimp are cooked and accentuated with the flavourful variety of green tea.

For more information on visiting a Longjing tea plantation, tours can booked through Gray Line Shanghai or a number of China tour operators.

The copyright of the article Longjing Dragon Well Tea from Hangzhou, China in Tea is owned by Rachel West. Permission to republish Longjing Dragon Well Tea from Hangzhou, China in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.