Dragon Well - Long Jing

Dragon Well is known for 4 characteristics: a jade-like color, vegetative aroma, chestnut-like flavor and a feather-like shape. It is perhaps the best known of the Chinese teas. Our Lung Ching is a standard grade showing fresh green coloration, hints of golden yellow and leaves of varying sizes. It is grown in the Hangzhou area, harvested in mid-April, in a township known for its Dragon Well production. Harvested April 2023. Lot #7.

Lot Notes. We purchase our Dragon Well from a local factory specializing in the production of Long Jing. As they sell primarily in their region, they work toward a taste profile appealing to the local custom. This lot has depth in flavor and aromas; the firing temperature has resulted in a crisp, vegetal and nutty flavor. There is nice tension between sweet and astringent notes.

Tea Facts. This lot is produced more to a local custom than most of the Dragon Wells exported from China. Grading of this tea is determined by appearance and degrees of flavor. in 2023 this tea was harvested mid-April.   

Tasting Notes. The aroma is vegetative and sweet. The taste is clearly vegetal with a flavor of chestnuts that will warm and a hint of astringency, a traditional style of Dragon Well. Offers a quenching, lingering finish.

Brewing Suggestions. Given its quality, we recommend using 3 grams of leaf (round teaspoon) per 6-8 ounces of water. Steep with water temperature of 185-195 degrees F.; steep for 2 to 2.5 minutes. Longer steep times will yield a stronger cup taste, more pungent flavor with some increase in the tea's astringency or "bite". Drain the leaves, leave them dry and save them for additional steeps.