Longjing / Dragonwell Tea

Longjing (龙井) is a pan-roasted green tea where it is mostly produced by bare hands in iron pans and has been renowned for its exquisite quality. Hailed as one of the most famous tea in China, it was a favourite of Emperor Qian Long from the Qing Dynasty. The 18 tea bushes that the emperor owned still exist today as a tourist attraction. Mao Ze Dong served USA President Nixon Long Jing tea during his official visit too. 

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.

This tea is harvested in early spring and then only young buds are plucked. Another step in the process that is unique to this tea is the roasting. This magical art is done by hand in iron pans. 

There are 3 varieties of longjing in the authentic region of West Lake:

Shi Feng Long Jing (狮峰龙井) - Known as the Lion Peak Long Jing, the most expensive and highest quality of Long Jing is produced here. 

Mei Jia Wu Long Jing (梅家坞龙井) - Coming below Lion Peak Long Jing, the jade green tea leaves is produced in Mei Jia Wu Village. It is also highly regard with top quality tea leaves and the tea from this region is expensive.

Xi Hu Long Jing (西湖龙井)  - This includes all the other villages and planations in the region and comes below Mei Jia Wu Long Jing. It is of high quality and expensive as well.

Other Long Jing that are not produced in these 3 regions can't be sold under Long Jing name but it is still a common practice in the market. Tea Cottage SG only purchase our tea from these 3 regions. 

The highest grade and most expensive of each variation of Long Jing comes from pre-Qing Ming season and its called Ming Qian Long Jing (明前龙井). 

Benefits

- High in antioxidants, Vitamin C & amino acids.
- Aids weight loss, one of the highest concentrations of green tea antioxidants namely catechins, which combined with caffeine allow your metabolism to work faster. This combination will make you burn fat, build muscle and still feel healthy.
- Lower bad cholesterol and reduce plaque from our arteries.
- Promote blood circulation and to a healthier smile with minerals and flouride from the tea to prevent dental plaque build up, tooth decay and bad breath.
-Green tea antioxidants, especially EGCG, have a double role with every cup of Longjing tea you drink. While you are fighting fat buildup, you are also preventing the development of tumors that may lead to cancer.

Taste

This tea is mild in flavor, subtle fragrant scent and mellow sweet taste accompanied with a hint of nutty smooth flavour.

Origin

Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province

Appearance

Jade-Green Unique flat leaf shape.

Directions

Pour freshly boiled water over a tea bag for 1-2 minutes or 1-2 teaspoons of loose tea in a cup and infuse for 3 minutes.

*Recommended to pour away the first brew to 'wash' the tea.

Storage

Keep in cool dry place, away from strong light and odour. Refrigerate after opening.