Long jing tea

Types of Long Jing Tea

There are various types of Long Jing tea to cater to the customers' taste and preferences. They are as below:

• Fang Guan (Emperor's Concentration) Long Jing

  Fang Guan Long Jing tea, known for its strict processing demands and noble origins, is seldom available, as only imperial families and high-ranking officials were allowed to drink it in the past. Today, it is still rare and is considered a precious treasure on the market. Fang Guan Long Jing tea possesses a bright and beautiful emerald hue, an elegant and soft aroma, and a sweet, rich taste that exemplifies the highest quality of Long Jing tea.

• Gougu (Moganshan) Long Jing

  Fang Guan Long Jing tea, known for its strict processing demands and noble origins, is seldom available, as only imperial families and high-ranking officials were allowed to drink it in the past. Today, it is still rare and is considered a precious treasure on the market. Fang Guan Long Jing tea possesses a bright and beautiful emerald hue, an elegant and soft aroma, and a sweet, rich taste that exemplifies the highest quality of Long Jing tea.

• Xihu Longjing tea

  This tea is known for its precise picking standards and processing procedures. Its quality is above grade. It is named after the West Lake area in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, where it is made. High-quality Longjing tea leaves are flat, beautiful green, and have a nutty aroma. They are known for their refreshing taste with hazelnut and vegetable notes. Longjing tea leaves should be brewed with water heated to about 80°C for the best flavor extraction.

• Meijiawu Longjing tea

  Meijiawu Longjing tea, famous for its distinctive fresh aroma, is produced in the Meijiawu village of Longjing, West Lake, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. Longjing tea from Meijiawu possesses a pure and fresh green tea fragrance, a soft and smooth taste, and a sweet aftertaste, which is much loved by the young and folks who drink Long Jing tea. The Meijiawu Longjing tea can be identified by its tightly packaged, flat leaves that are light green in color.

• Baojing Longjing tea

  Baojing Longjing tea is felt to be less made than the tea above but is popular because of its robustness, aroma, and taste. Baojing Longjing tea, famous for its processing and quality, makes this tea distinctive and precious. It has a mild and sweet taste, a fresh and elegant fragrance, and beautiful green leaves that are flat and shaped like a fish's tongue. This tea originated from the Baojing tea shop in the Longjing area of Hangzhou.

Specifications and Maintenance for Longjing Tea

Longjing tea comes with various specifications, as do most goods, and proper maintenance ensures the tea keeps its freshness and flavor for a while.

Technical Specifications for Long Jing Tea

• Longjing tea grades: The types include pre-Qingming, Xuancha, and Shicuo. The Longjing tea taken before Qingming is of the finest quality and has fresh taste, fragrance, and color. Longjing tea picked after Qingming is of acceptable quality and often comes at a reasonable price. Longjing tea which is picked after the summer onset and before the rain of season begins is called Shicuo. This one is of the lowest quality and is mostly used for making drinks.
• Leaf appearance: The finest Longjing tea leaves should be flat, elongate, and fish tongue-shaped. One should avoid any yellow or brown leaves as they indicate low quality and are most likely to be old tea. In some instances, colored leaves are also spoiled and damaged.
• Aroma: Quality Longjing tea has a fresh, green, and vegetal smell. It may also smell nutty and sweet-like raw cashew nuts.
• Tea liquor: Longchin tea liquor should be bright and clear if fresh and good quality. The color should be light yellow-green or pale green.
• Taste: Longjing tea should be sweet and smooth and have no bitterness at all. There may be a sweet aftertaste with hints of grass, chestnut, or vegetal notes.

How to Maintain Long Jing Tea

• Storage conditions: Longjing Tea should be stored in a cool and dry place away from light and heat. It should not be kept in the refrigerator because of moisture and odor from other foods.
• Airtight containers: Use airtight jars or containers for Longjing tea to avoid exposure to air and oxidation. Glass or ceramic containers are ideal for preserving the tea's fragrance and flavor.
• Keep it away from strong odors: Longjing tea is highly sensitive to smells. Therefore, it should not be kept near spices, coffee, or any strong-smelling items.
• Regular checkups: Occasionally check the tea for any signs of moisture or pests and ensure that the storage conditions remain ideal.

Benefits of Longjing Tea

Longjing tea has several benefits because it is made of pure green leaves and has high nutritional value. These benefits include health improvement, weight loss, and detoxification.

• Rich in Antioxidants

  Antioxidants hunt and destroy all the free radicals in the body that are responsible for causing aging and chronic diseases. Antioxidant-rich foods are a necessity for healthy living, and Longjing tea is one of them.

• Weight management

  Longjing tea contains catechins, which are used to boost metabolism. One can take Longjing tea to enhance oxidation and increase fat breakdown.

• Hydration

  Longjing tea adds up to the daily fluid intake and helps maintain the body's hydration level. Proper hydration is essential for healthier skin, good kidney function, and regulation of body temperature.

• Detoxification

  Longjing tea is effective in flushing out toxins from the body through improved kidney function. It helps detoxify the body and keep it clean and fresh.

• Supports cardiovascular health

  Longjing tea is famous for being able to lower cholesterol levels. This makes it a great drink for people who want to avoid heart diseases.

How to Brew Longjing Tea

Brewing Longjing tea properly is essential for flavor extraction and preserving its delicate qualities. Here's a step-by-step guide to brewing Longjing tea:

• Choosing the right water

  Use fresh, clean, and filtered water to brew Longjing tea. Avoid using boiling or chlorinated water as it alters the taste and may affect the tea's fragrance.

• Preheating the teapot

  Preheat the teapot or teacup by rinsing it with hot water. This helps maintain the temperature during brewing.

• Heating the water

  Heat the water to the optimal brewing temperature, around 80°C to 85°C (176°F to 185°F). Avoid using boiling water, as it can scorch the delicate tea leaves.

• Measuring the tea leaves

  Use about 2 grams of Longjing tea leaves per 100 milliliters (3.4 ounces) of water. Adjust the quantity based on personal preference.

• Brew the tea

  Gently pour the prepared water over the tea leaves, ensuring even saturation. Allow the tea to steep for about 1 to 2 minutes for the first infusion. Longjing tea leaves are delicate and require short steeping times to prevent bitterness.

• Enjoy

  Pour the brewed tea into another preheated teapot or directly into cups. Sip the tea slowly to appreciate its subtle flavors and aromas.

Q&A

Q1: What makes Longjing tea special?

A1: Longjing tea is special because of its unique hand-processing method, fish tongue shape, and nutty taste. It's a renowned Chinese tea due to its amazing flavor and historical significance as a tribute tea.

Q2: How should Longjing tea be stored?

A2: Store it in an airtight container away from light, moisture, and strong odors to preserve its freshness and flavor.

Q3: What are the health benefits of Longjing tea?

A3: Longjing tea aids digestion, promotes weight loss, and provides antioxidants, supporting overall health and well-being.

Q4: Is Longjing tea suitable for daily consumption?

A4: Yes, Longjing tea is low in caffeine and packed with nutrients, making it great for daily enjoyment.