Discover the Best Dragon Well Green Tea for Ultimate Refreshment
钱多福What is Dragon Well Green Tea?
Dragon Well Green Tea, also known as Longjing, is a traditional pan-roasted green tea from China with minimal oxidation.
The ideal picking season for Dragon Well Green Tea is from late March to mid-April, a period crucial for the tea's quality. Tea picked before the arrival of Grain Rain in mid-April is known as Yuqian Tea, which is considered to be of good quality.
It’s known for its toasty aroma and flavorful sweetness, with a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other green teas.
Produced in China, this medium-bodied green tea is a great choice for those who enjoy a smooth cup.
Longjing tea is a variety of green tea that is grown in the area of Longjing Village in Hangzhou, China.
The Unique Flavor Profile of Dragon Well Green Tea
The flavor of Longjing Green Tea is unique and charming.
- Appearance and color: The tea leaves of Longjing Green Tea are beautifully shaped, flat, smooth and straight, with a tender green or emerald green color. Some premium West Lake Longjing Tea also presents a yellow-green and radiant color. This unique appearance makes people feel its high quality at a glance.
- Aroma: The aroma of Longjing Green Tea is rich and lasting, with fresh floral and roasted bean aromas, and some also have orchid or seaweed sweet aromas. This aroma is refreshing and pleasant, intoxicating, and is a major feature of Longjing Green Tea.
- Taste: The taste of Longjing Green Tea is fresh and mellow, smooth in the mouth, and endless aftertaste. It tastes sweet and refreshing, slightly bitter, but the bitterness is followed by a quick return to sweetness, which makes people feel the enjoyment on the tip of the tongue. Few have tasted the original variant of Dragon Well Green Tea, which is sourced from the historical Shifeng Mountain region, highlighting its complex flavor profile and aroma. This unique taste makes Longjing Green Tea a favorite of many tea lovers.
- Leaves: The leaves of Longjing Green Tea are delicate and tender, with a light green or yellow-green color, which is also one of the important criteria for judging the quality of Longjing Green Tea.
In summary, Longjing Green Tea has won the love of many tea lovers for its unique appearance, rich aroma, fresh taste and delicate leaves. Whether it is for tea tasting or gift giving, Longjing Green Tea is an excellent choice.
Nutritional Information and Health Benefits
Longjing tea contains vitamin C and amino acids, like most finer Chinese green teas.
It has high concentrations of catechins, which are antioxidants found in green tea. Longjing tea is considered a good tea for its flavor and sustaining qualities, making it a hearty and nourishing option.
Drinking green tea has been shown to have numerous health benefits：
- Green tea is celebrated for its numerous health benefits, thanks to its rich content of antioxidants and nutrients.
- It is known to boost brain function, enhance fat burning, and improve physical performance.
- Green tea may also lower the risk of certain types of cancer, support heart health by reducing cholesterol levels, and aid in weight loss.
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Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties can promote skin health.
Environmental Requirements for Growth
Longjing tea trees need more water than ordinary trees, with an annual precipitation of 2000-3000 mm and an average monthly precipitation of 200-300 mm.
The ideal temperature for growth is between 10°C and 20°C, with a monthly average temperature in the growing season of no lower than 15°C.
The tea is light-sensitive and shade-resistant, with 90-95% of the dry matter in tea plant organisms synthesized by photosynthesis.
The southwest of West Lake area in Hangzhou has a mild, temperate, and often rainy climate, creating the perfect terroir for tea production.
Traditional Production Methods and Preparation
Longjing tea is produced mostly by hand and renowned for its high quality, earning it the China Famous Tea title.
The tea leaves are hand-plucked, withered, and then pan-roasted to develop the tea’s nutty character. The leaves are roasted early in the processing to stop the natural oxidation process, which is essential to distinguish green teas from black and oolong teas.
To prepare hot tea, infuse 4 minutes in filtered water at 170°F / 75°C.
To prepare latte tea, infuse 8g / 0.3oz of tea in 1 cup of hot milk and 1 cup of 195°F - 90°C water for 5 minutes.
Characteristics of Quality Dragon Well Green Tea
Dry leaves are even and uniform in size, showing they were picked in the same season, not a blend.
Tea color is very clear and lightly yellow-green.
Fresh fragrance develops over many infusions, with a full-bodied flavor.
No chemical fertilizer, pesticide, or herbicide was used in the production of this tea.
The tea has a lingering finish and a roasted chestnut flavor.
Pairing Dragon Well Green Tea with Food
Long Jing pairs well with sauced fish such as pollock, cod, rock salmon, and monkfish.
It also goes well with goat cheese, such as Crottin.
The tea’s delicate flavor and aroma make it a great choice for pairing with a variety of dishes.
Caffeine in Longjing Green Tea
The caffeine content of Longjing green tea is 20-35 mg per 8 oz (240 ml).
When comparing green tea to other popular beverages, it stands out for its moderate caffeine content. An 8-ounce cup of green tea typically contains 30-50 milligrams of caffeine, which is less than black tea and coffee. For instance, black tea contains about 45-90 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce cup, while coffee ranges from 80-100 milligrams. Despite having less caffeine, green tea can still boost alertness due to the presence of L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and reduces stress. Matcha, a powdered form of green tea, contains more caffeine than regular green tea, averaging 35-40 milligrams per 8-ounce cup.
Finding and Storing Dragon Well Green Tea
Look for tea that is produced in China and has minimal oxidation.
Store the tea in a cool, dry place to preserve its flavor and aroma.
Buy from reputable sources to ensure that the tea is of high quality.
Whether you’re looking for a smooth cup or a tea to pair with food,Dragon Well Green Tea is a great option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Longjing tea, also known as Dragon Well tea, stands out as a premier Chinese green tea celebrated for its exceptional quality and distinctive flavor profile. With its delicate fragrance, slightly sweet taste, and smooth texture, Longjing tea has earned a special place in the hearts of tea enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you’re seeking to improve your health, boost your energy levels, or simply savor a delicious cup of tea, Longjing tea is an excellent choice.
The rich history and cultural significance of Longjing tea add to its allure. Originating from the West Lake region of China, this tea has a storied past and is now recognized as a protected designation of origin. Its journey from the lush tea gardens of Hangzhou to your teacup is a testament to its enduring appeal and quality.
For both seasoned tea connoisseurs and newcomers to the world of green tea, Longjing tea offers a unique and rewarding experience. Its complex flavor profile, numerous health benefits, and deep cultural roots make it a true gem in the world of teas. So why not indulge in a cup of Longjing tea and discover the magic for yourself?
