Longjing Spring Green Teas are here

Posted by Sean Clark on Jun 5th 2024

We’re excited to announce that Long Jing (Dragonwell) Green Tea 金塊黃茶 just arrived!

Given that this is one of the most popular green teas in the world, most of us have tried Longjing at some point…

But due to its fame, popularity, and ability to command a high price… unfortunately a large quantity of Longjing sold nowadays is counterfeit.

In order to qualify as authentic Longjing Tea, it must meet these criteria:

The tea leaves must be sourced within the West Lake region of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
The leaves must be picked from Longjing cultivar tea plants
It must be made from early spring buds only and pressed into its distinctive flattened shape

After being dissappointed with dozens of different Longijng teas over the years, we were personally introduced to Hangzhou Tea Master, Lao Long from a friend...

To date, this is one of the finest Longjing teas we’ve ever tried and So-han (founder of WCT) has personally visited his farm and participated in the entire production of Longjing from picking to processing.

This year, we’re carrying two different grades of fully authentic Longjing Green Tea from Tea Master Lao Long, they are Míng Qián 明前 and Yǔ Qián 雨前...

Míng Qián (Pre-Brightness) Long Jing Green Tea is the highest grade we carry. It’s the earliest spring tea and must be plucked before the Qīng Míng 清明 (“Clear Bright”) festival - this year’s was April 4th.

Given that there is such a limited picking window, very little Ming Qian tea is produced each year… and some years there is none produced at all.

Its leaf buds yield a jade green liquor with a delicate floral fragrance, round, abundant mouthfeel, and snow-pea-like sweetness.

>>>Click here to experience Ming Qian (Pre-Brightness) Long Jing Tea (limited quantity available)

Yu Qian (Pre-Rain) Long Jing Green Tea is a slightly lower grade. It’s plucked after the Ming Qian Festival (April 5th) but before the Guyu “Grain Rain” solar term - this years was April 19th.

It has more leaves, larger leaves, and a richer, robust flavor.

Compared to the Ming Qian, the Pre-Rain Long Jing has more grassy, aquatic notes and a fuller flavor.

>>>Click here to experience Pre-Rain (Yu Qian) Long Jing Tea (limited quantity available)

Have any questions? Just reply to this email and let us know.

Talk soon,

Sean at West China Tea

P.S. We only receive these Longjing Green teas once per year and they're guaranteed to sell out in the coming days or weeks. If you'd like to try them, we recommend securing yourself a sample sooner than later.