It's one of China's finest teas, widely consumed worldwide thanks to its rich aroma and palate. Also known as Dragon Well, it originates from the Chinese region of Hangzhou, in a small town named Longjing near West Lake. Learn more about Longjing tea here.

History of Longjing Tea

There are indications that Longjing tea existed in the Tang and Song dynasties, over 1,000 years ago. Its origin is said to date back to the Sui Dynasty at Lingyin Temple. There, the trees were planted within the temple gardens, and monks were responsible for both brewing and drinking it.

The way this tea was made was very different from today's, and it was only drunk during meals. During the Song Dynasty, its consumption remained exclusively reserved for the aristocracy; by the end of the dynasty, tea was no longer just drunk during meals, but was now drunk purely for pleasure.

It was under Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty that kneaded tea was eliminated, and the beverage began to be produced as we know it today. On the other hand, Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty was the one who spread it to all social classes.

Longjing tea flavor

Longjing tea has a distinctive, deep, oily, honey-like flavor. Notes of nuts and floral acidity are perceived. Despite its versatile aroma, it is not overpowering. Its color is usually yellow-green, emerald, or golden, depending on the source and harvest time.

Its sweet taste comes from the antibacterial substances it contains. It serves a social purpose, although acquiring it is unlikely, with a 30% chance of being available on the global market. On the other hand, Dragon Well tea comes in various varieties and varying qualities, depending on how the leaves are harvested. They are as follows:

Xihu Longjing. This is the most popular and highest quality. Its leaf buds are harvested in early spring. Due to its high quality, it is difficult to obtain in any country other than China.
Shi Feng Longjing. It has an intense nutty aroma.
Meijiawu Long Jing. The leaves are a deep green, producing a nutty, very sweet drink.
Bird's tongue. Its leaves are harvested on March 21. It has a sweet and intense flavor.
Ming Qian. This is the finest of all the Longjing varieties. It has a very short harvest cycle, which is why it's more expensive. Its color is golden with an incense aroma, certain toasted and nutty notes, and a fresh, spicy aftertaste.

If you own a business in the coffee shop, hospitality industry, or bakery, at Tétique we have a wide selection of high-quality teas to meet your needs. We offer single-serve teas and organic loose teas to suit your purchasing and preparation needs. Whether you're looking for classic teas like Earl Grey or green tea , or more exotic and specialty teas like matcha or jasmine tea, we have everything you need to offer your customers a unique and delicious tea experience.

How to distinguish real Longjing tea from fake tea

It's important to know which Longjing is authentic, and there are a few tricks to this. The most counterfeited tea is the Shi Feng variety, which some scammers make by roasting other types of tea. They give it that particular yellow-green color to resemble the original. Others blend high-quality tea with low-quality tea. There are also those who counterfeit it using certain oils.

Genuine teas have a certificate issued by the Hangzhou government, which bears a batch serial number. It also has a password under a silver band, which, when entered online, allows the buyer to verify its authenticity.

When purchasing Dragon Well tea, make sure the leaves are straight, flat, and have a smooth surface. If they are longer than 1.6 cm or shorter, they are of inferior quality. Furthermore, they should not be dirty or narrow; high-quality teas should be yellowish-green in color.

As for the volume of its leaves, they should be voluminous, which is much better. If they are dry, it's not a good idea to buy them. However, its aroma is more difficult to define; the tea should be fresh, as if picked immediately. One way to indicate its high quality is that it dissolves easily after a short time in water. Add hot water at 80°C to the leaves, and if you see that the leaves acquire a pale, weak color, it's an old Longjing tea.

When it comes to purchasing tea or herbal teas , it's important to choose responsible suppliers who offer high-quality products and care for the environment. At Tétique, we pride ourselves on offering the highest quality organic teas and herbal teas, produced with environmental and social responsibility. Our products are carefully selected and made with natural ingredients and free of harmful chemicals. We ensure that our suppliers meet high standards of quality and sustainability to ensure our customers receive only the best. Trust Tetique for healthy, delicious, and responsible teas and herbal teas!

How to prepare Longjing tea

To prepare Longjing tea you must have the following ingredients:

2 to 3 grams of dragon tea.
A cup of water.

How to prepare it:

The water should be heated to about 80°C, this is the ideal temperature (higher will burn the leaves and their flavor will be altered).
Add the leaves to the water, always maintaining the indicated temperature (you can use a thermometer).
Let it steep for about 2 minutes.
Strain and serve.

Properties of Longjing tea

Some of the properties of Longjing tea are as follows:

A cup immediately quenches thirst, providing a boost of energy.
It relieves hangovers and strengthens the immune system. It's excellent for vitamin deficiencies.
Due to its high antioxidant content, it reduces the effects of aging and is anticancer. It also alleviates chronic fatigue.
Drinking it in the morning improves mental and physical abilities throughout the day, so the feeling of fatigue will take longer to arrive.
It reduces blood pressure because it strengthens blood vessel walls. Furthermore, its components are capable of reducing blood cholesterol by destroying fatty deposits on blood vessel walls.
Prevents the appearance of cavities.

At Tétique, we strive to offer a wide selection of high-quality teas that offer health benefits. While Longjing tea is known for its health-promoting properties, we also offer other teas with similar benefits. Our selection of green teas , for example, is an excellent choice for those looking for a tea rich in antioxidants and nutrients. Additionally, our black teas and oolong tea also offer health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease and improving digestion. Explore our variety of teas and discover the one that best suits your needs.

At Tétique, we are proud to be suppliers of high-quality teas and infusions in Spain. Our mission is to offer a wide selection of organic and sustainable teas and infusions to our customers. We work with local and international suppliers who share our passion for quality, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. We ensure that our products are produced ethically and responsibly, and we offer a diverse selection to meet our customers' needs and tastes. If you're looking for the best teas and infusions in Spain, look no further than Tetique. Trust us for the freshest, healthiest, and most delicious products.