Xihulongjing Tea (West Lake Longjing Tea），one of the most famous Green tea
Xihulongjing tea, also known as West Lake Dragon Well Tea, is a green tea that has gained worldwide popularity for its distinct flavor, vibrant color, and numerous health benefits. This tea is grown in the Hangzhou region of China and is highly valued for its unique characteristics that can be attributed to its specific geographic location, the quality of the soil, and meticulous processing techniques.
One of the reasons why Xihulongjing tea is so valuable is due to its sweet and nutty flavor with subtle floral notes that distinguish it from other green teas. It's light yellow-green color and smooth texture make it pleasing to the taste buds. These flavor characteristics are achieved through the careful timing of the harvest and the meticulous processing of the leaves.
Apart from its exceptional flavor, Xihulongjing tea is also rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, which have numerous health benefits. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in Xihulongjing tea is believed to help reduce inflammation, promote healthy digestion, and boost the immune system. Regular consumption of this tea may also lower the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Xihulongjing tea also has a rich history and cultural significance, adding to its value. It is believed to have been produced in the Hangzhou region for over 1,200 years and is highly regarded by emperors and scholars throughout Chinese history. It is even said to have been served to the famous Tang dynasty poet, Bai Juyi, during his visit to Hangzhou.
The picking of Xihulongjing tea is an extremely meticulous and demanding process. High-grade tea is harvested around the Qingming Festival, and only the youngest buds, or one bud with one or two leaves are picked. The tea leaves are withered, rolled, and manually fried through a three-stage process to ensure the teas have a smooth and glossy appearance, vibrant green color, and exceptional taste and aroma.
Four methods can be used to identify authentic West Lake Longjing tea: touch, look, smell, and taste. The tea's dryness level, appearance, color, fragrance, and flavor should match the basic characteristics of Longjing tea.
In conclusion, Xihulongjing tea is a rare and precious delicacy among West Lake Longjing teas, renowned for its unique flavor, color, and aroma, as well as numerous health benefits. Its rich cultural significance and meticulous processing techniques make it truly one of a kind, providing a luxurious and exquisite tea experience for tea lovers worldwide.
How to brew Longjing Tea?
- Pour approximately 3 grams of tea leaves into a glass cup, and add water at around 90 degrees Celsius until the water covers the tea leaves. Gently shake the cup to release the aroma and appreciate the fragrance, which is called "moistening the tea".
- Pour water into the cup until it is 80% full, with a tea-to-water ratio of 1:50. Once the tea leaves have completely unfurled, the tea is ready to be enjoyed
Little Tip for Brewing Longjing Tea :
Some people say that Longjing tea should be brewed with water at 85 degrees Celsius, while others say that water at 100 degrees Celsius works just as well. So what is the correct water temperature for brewing Longjing tea? In fact, the water temperature for brewing Longjing tea can range from 85 to 100 degrees Celsius, and it all depends on your personal preference. If you prefer a fresh taste, we recommend using a lower temperature, around 85 degrees Celsius. If you prefer a richer and more full-bodied flavor, we recommend using water at a temperature of around 95 degrees Celsius. Using water at 100 degrees Celsius can bring out even more of the tea's fragrance, and those who are sitting further away can also enjoy the aroma. However, when using water at 100 degrees Celsius, we suggest not to cover the tea immediately, as this will cause the temperature to drop slightly. If the temperature is too high, the tea will lose its original freshness. So, the most important factor is not the water temperature but your personal preference. What kind of experience are you looking to have?