Long Jing Cha The Gem of Chinese Green Teas
Long Jing Cha The Gem of Chinese Green Teas
Nestled within the lush, rolling hills of Hangzhou lies the origin of a tea that stands as a paragon of Chinese tea culture: Long Jing cha, or Dragon Well tea, as it's affectionately known by English speakers. This celebrated green tea, renowned for its flat, emerald-green leaves, invites tea enthusiasts to savor its rich history and subtle flavors steeped in centuries of tradition.
The story of Long Jing tea is as captivating as its taste. Legend tells of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty visiting the West Lake region. Entranced by the local brew, he reached into his sleeve to pluck its leaves. This gesture marked the tea's elevation to imperial status, and to this day, its 18 original tea bushes, now several hundred years old, still stand as national treasures.
Long Jing is singular in both its cultivation and processing. Its leaves are plucked and flattened by hand, an art that requires a delicate balance of pressure and timing. The result is a tea that delights with its clear, pale liquor and a tender, chestnut-like aroma. It offers a slightly sweet, refreshing taste—one that is neither overpowering nor absent.
Brewing Long Jing is a gentle ritual, one that encourages patience and attention. Using water just below boiling ensures the tea's nuanced flavors and fragrant oil are preserved, while a glass teapot or gaiwan showcases the leaves unfurling—a dance that's both soothing and hypnotic.
In comparing Long Jing to other green teas, its texture stands out, offering a rich, buttery quality that contrasts the more astringent notes some may associate with green tea. Unlike Japanese sencha, which leans towards a grassy, umami flavor, Long Jing's profile is delicate, making it an ideal entry point for those new to the world of high-quality green teas.
Beyond its taste, Long Jing tea embodies more than just a beverage. It is a bridge to the past, a sip of tranquility amid the bustle of modern life. As you savor a cup, take a moment to reflect on the artistry and tradition lovingly preserved in each leaf. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of tea's ability to connect people across time and space in a shared moment of peace and appreciation.
With every cup, a whisper of the Dragon Well recalls its storied roots and invites you to partake in a timeless conversation, one that has been brewing for centuries and will continue to steep into the future.
