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Origin Story

Originating from the West Lake region of Hangzhou in Zhejiang province, Longjing tea has a storied history dating back to the Tang dynasty (618–907 CE). It gained imperial recognition during the Qing dynasty when Emperor Qianlong honored it as a distinguished tea. This traditional cultivar descends from local landraces of Camellia sinensis var. sinensis, cultivated for centuries without a known specific breeder.

Classification

Longjing belongs to the green tea category, characterized by unoxidized leaves that retain their fresh, vegetal qualities. It is a subtype of Chinese green tea, processed through pan-firing to halt oxidation, which preserves its bright color and delicate flavor.

Appearance or Form

The tea’s leaves are small, tender, and pale green before processing. After pan-firing, they become flat, smooth, and spear-shaped—a hallmark of Longjing’s craftsmanship. The brewed liquor is a pale yellow-green, inviting and clear.

Behavior or Usage

Longjing is prized for its gentle, sweet taste and toasty chestnut aroma. It is traditionally brewed plain, often served in glass cups to showcase the elegant leaf shape as it unfurls. Its delicate flavor and aroma make it a refined choice for daily enjoyment and special occasions alike.

Merchandise & Prints

Bring this kind into your world � illustrated posters, mugs, and shirts.

Longjing Longjing Poster

Longjing Poster

Archival print, museum-grade paper

Longjing Longjing Mug

Longjing Mug

Stoneware mug, dishwasher safe

Longjing Longjing Shirt

Longjing Shirt

Soft cotton tee, unisex sizes

Attributes & Insights

Taxon-Specific Insights

🌍Cultural Significance

Highly esteemed in Chinese culture, Longjing tea holds imperial status since the Qing dynasty and is deeply tied to the West Lake region’s identity. It appears in art and literature as a symbol of refinement and tradition, embodying centuries of tea craftsmanship and regional pride.

📌Notable Facts

  • Longjing is protected by Geographical Indication (GI) status, ensuring authenticity of West Lake varieties.
  • Premium harvests occur before the Qingming Festival, using only the bud and first leaf.
  • Its signature flat leaf shape results from meticulous hand-pressing during pan-firing.
  • Regional variants include Shi Feng, Mei Jia Wu, and Xihu Longjing, each reflecting unique terroirs.
  • Despite its long history, no single breeder or institution is credited with its origin.

👅Flavor Profile Details

Longjing offers a sweet and mellow taste with fresh vegetal notes reminiscent of tender greens. Its aroma carries a distinctive toasty, chestnut-like character, complemented by a lingering umami finish that adds depth and complexity to each sip.

Visual Variations

High quality photograph of a Longjing, of the taxonomy teas
High quality photograph of a Longjing, of the taxonomy teas
Editorial-style image of a brewed Longjing tea, part of the taxonomy teas
Editorial-style image of a brewed Longjing tea, part of the taxonomy teas
Cross-sectional close-up of a Longjing
Cross-sectional close-up of a Longjing
Image showing Longjing prepared and served in its typical cultural context
Image showing Longjing prepared and served in its typical cultural context
Environmental scene featuring Longjing, part of the taxonomy teas
Environmental scene featuring Longjing, part of the taxonomy teas
Macro photograph focusing on the texture and details of Longjing leaves, within the taxonomy teas
Macro photograph focusing on the texture and details of Longjing leaves, within the taxonomy teas
Still life image of a prepared cup of Longjing
Still life image of a prepared cup of Longjing
Step-by-step visual depiction showing the preparation process for Longjing, within the taxonomy teas
Step-by-step visual depiction showing the preparation process for Longjing, within the taxonomy teas

Composition & Context

Taxon-Specific Insights

⚙️Processing Methods

Longjing undergoes a careful pan-firing process that halts oxidation immediately after picking. Leaves are hand-pressed flat in a hot wok, shaping their signature form while drying. This artisanal method preserves the tea’s freshness and imparts its characteristic aroma and flavor.

🍵Consumption Culture

Longjing is traditionally enjoyed plain, often served in transparent glass cups to admire the unfolding leaves. It holds ceremonial importance in Chinese tea culture and is a favored gift and symbol of hospitality, reflecting its esteemed status both domestically and internationally.

💚Health Benefits

Like many green teas, Longjing is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which may support cardiovascular health and aid in digestion. Its gentle caffeine content provides a mild stimulant effect without overwhelming the senses, making it a balanced choice for daily wellness.

🌍Regional Variations

Within the West Lake region, notable Longjing variants include Shi Feng Longjing, Mei Jia Wu Longjing, and Xihu Longjing. Each reflects subtle differences in terroir, harvest timing, and leaf quality, offering a range of nuanced flavors while adhering to traditional processing standards.

Faq

What makes Longjing tea unique? Its pan-firing process creates flat, spear-shaped leaves and a sweet, mellow flavor with chestnut aroma.

How should Longjing be brewed? Brew it plain, often in glass cups, using water below boiling to preserve delicate flavors.

Where does authentic Longjing come from? The West Lake area in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China, protected by GI status.