Longjing (Dragon Well) - Loose Green Tea
Longjing tea, also called Dragon Well, is one of China's most celebrated green teas, with a legacy stretching over a thousand years. Unlike fermented or heavily oxidised teas, Long Jing is gently pan-fired shortly after harvesting to preserve its fresh, vibrant character. Its signature flat, sword-like leaves are the result of a traditional technique called shāqīng ("killing green"), where skilled tea masters press and rotate the leaves in a hot wok with precise, fluid movements.
Harvest & Seasonality
This Longjing is crafted from the prized first flush (first pick) of the season, harvested between late March and early April. During this early spring window, the tea bushes produce their most tender growth after winter dormancy. The cool climate and slow growth concentrate nutrients in the leaves, resulting in a sweeter, more delicate liquor with refined aroma and minimal bitterness.
Why is Longjing so special:
- Hand-plucked with care: Only the tender first two leaves and the unopened bud are harvested—early morning plucking preserves the aroma and flavour.
- First flush excellence: Early spring harvest ensures the highest quality leaves, prized for their sweetness, softness, and nuanced flavour profile.
- Pan-firing mastery: Each leaf is individually pressed and shaped by hand in the wok, requiring years of skill to perfect.
- Multiple infusions: Unlike many green teas, Long Jing can yield 2–3 delightful infusions, each offering slightly different layers of sweetness and vegetal notes.
Longjing tea upon infusing produces a pale yellow-green liquor with a soft, refreshing taste, complemented by subtle vegetal notes, toasted nuts, and a naturally sweet, lingering finish.
Ingredients: Pure Chinese Green Tea
Origin: China (West Lake, Zhejiang Province)
How to enjoy this tea: Steep 1 tsp per cup for 2–3 mins in 75–85°C water. Place 1 tsp of tea per cup in a mug, add hot water (not boiling) and allow the tea to steep for 2 minutes. Adjust steeping time according to your taste preference. You can make up to 2–3 infusions with this tea.
Caffeine content: Approx 20mg per cup
Tea People are passionate about all things tea and create Great Taste Award-winning brews. From the finest premium single estate tea, to unique blends and herbal infusions, the teas are available in loose leaf form as well as plastic-free biodegradable pyramid tea bags.
Tea People believe that 'tea is what you make it'. Tea can be different things to different people and with a little effort, creativity and innovation, it can even become a powerful medium for social change.
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