Long Jing Tea: Discover the Elegance of China's Most Celebrated Green Tea

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Long Jing Tea – The Green Jewel of Chinese Teas

Few teas carry the grace, history, and delicate power of long jing tea—also known as Dragon Well tea. Praised for its flat, smooth leaves and sweet chestnut aroma, this green tea is China’s most renowned and often imitated. Whether you’re exploring green teas or deepening your tea knowledge, learning about long jing brings you closer to one of the finest brews ever crafted.

Elegant, soothing, and steeped in centuries of tradition, it’s no wonder tea lovers around the world seek to buy long jing tea online—for wellness, mindfulness, and a refined palate.

What is Long Jing Tea?

Long Jing tea (龙井茶), or Dragon Well tea, is a pan-fired green tea from the Zhejiang province of China. It’s hand-crafted to produce its iconic flat, spear-shaped leaves and offers a smooth, slightly nutty flavor.

Unlike rolled green teas, long jing is pressed during pan-firing, giving it its signature appearance and maintaining its fresh, vegetal aroma.

The History and Cultural Legacy of Long Jing Tea

With roots in the Tang and Song dynasties, long jing gained imperial status during the Qing Dynasty when Emperor Qianlong praised it during his southern tour.

Today, it remains a symbol of refinement, scholarship, and hospitality in Chinese tea culture—often served during formal ceremonies or gifted on special occasions.

Why Long Jing is Known as Dragon Well Tea

The name “Dragon Well” refers to a legendary spring in Hangzhou, near West Lake, known for its magical swirling water patterns. The spring’s water was historically used to brew long jing, and the area became synonymous with tea quality.

Thus, “Dragon Well” is both a place and a symbol of purity and excellence in tea.

Where is Long Jing Tea Grown?

Authentic long jing comes from Hangzhou’s West Lake region, particularly in the following protected zones:

• Shifeng (Lion Peak)

• Meijiawu

• Longjing Village

• Wengjiashan

• Hupao (Tiger Run)

Tea from these areas is considered top-tier, and terroir greatly affects taste and aroma.

The Different Grades of Long Jing Tea

Long jing is graded based on leaf quality, harvest time, and processing:

• Ming Qian (pre-Qingming): Harvested before April 5th, delicate and rare

• Yu Qian: Between Qingming and Guyu (April 5–20), slightly bolder

• Shicha (Spring Tea): Harvested after Guyu, still flavorful but less aromatic

• Summer and Autumn Harvests: Lower grade, bolder flavor, more affordable

If you're new, start with Yu Qian or high-quality Shicha. Collectors and connoisseurs often seek out Ming Qian long jing for its rarity and subtlety.

Authentic vs Imitation Long Jing – What to Look For

With its fame comes forgery. To spot real long jing tea:

• Leaf shape: Flat, jade-green, uniform “sword” leaves

• Aroma: Nutty, fresh, not grassy or smoky

• Origin: Must come from Zhejiang province (check for origin labeling)

• Price: Genuine long jing is not cheap—be wary of "premium" deals under $15/50g

Trust reputable sellers and always read customer reviews and harvest details.

Long Jing Tea Flavor Profile – What Does It Taste Like?

Expect a:

• Mellow sweetness

• Chestnut aroma

• Vegetal freshness

• Delicate floral undertone

The taste lingers lightly, without bitterness. It's complex yet easy to enjoy, even for green tea beginners.

Why Long Jing Tea is Loved Worldwide

• Naturally sweet and low bitterness

• Visually beautiful leaves

• Light caffeine with a clear energy boost

• Pairs well with both modern and traditional foods

• A meditative, slow-drinking experience

It’s a favorite among tea sommeliers, wellness lovers, and culinary experts alike.

Health Benefits of Drinking Long Jing Tea

Rich in catechins, polyphenols, and amino acids, long jing offers:

• Boosted metabolism and fat burning

• Antioxidant protection

• Reduced stress and improved mental clarity

• Heart and liver support

• Clearer skin and anti-aging effects

It’s one of the healthiest green teas you can sip daily.

Caffeine Content in Long Jing Tea

Long jing contains low to moderate caffeine—perfect for:

• A focused morning start

• A mid-day energy boost

• A mindful evening sip (if not too sensitive)

Its clean energy uplift is smoother than coffee or black tea.

Best Time to Drink Long Jing Tea

• Morning or mid-morning: Best for alertness and metabolism

• Post-meal: Aids digestion and refreshes the palate

• Afternoon: Keeps you sharp without overstimulation

Avoid late-night drinking unless you're caffeine-tolerant.

How to Brew Long Jing Tea Correctly

1. Use filtered water at 75–85°C (167–185°F)

2. Use 2–3 grams per 150ml of water

3. Rinse leaves quickly

4. Steep for 30–60 seconds

5. Re-steep 2–3 times

Avoid boiling water, which scalds the leaves and causes bitterness.

Teaware for Brewing Long Jing – What Works Best?

• Glass teapots or mugs: Showcases leaf dance and liquor clarity

• Porcelain gaiwan: Ideal for controlled steeping

• Tall glass tumblers: Great for solo sipping, popular in Hangzhou

Avoid Yixing clay for green teas—it retains too much heat.

How to Store Long Jing Tea for Maximum Freshness

• Use airtight, opaque containers

• Store in cool, dry, and dark locations

• Refrigerate unopened bags, but let them warm to room temperature before use

Proper storage preserves aroma, flavor, and antioxidants for up to 12 months.

Buying Tips: What Makes a High-Quality Long Jing?

Look for:

• Harvest date (spring is best)

• Origin traceability

• Leaf uniformity and flatness

• Fresh, roasted aroma

Avoid broken leaves, musty smells, or off-colors.

Loose Leaf vs Sachets – What’s Better for Long Jing?

Loose leaf wins every time. Sachets are convenient but often contain:

• Lower-grade or broken leaves

• Less aromatic tea

• Inconsistent infusions

Invest in a glass teapot and loose-leaf long jing for the best experience.

Food Pairings with Long Jing Tea

• Dim sum and steamed dumplings

• Steamed fish or chicken

• Light pastries or almond cookies

• Jasmine rice or stir-fried greens

Its gentle flavor complements, not competes with food.

When to Buy Long Jing – Timing Your Purchase

• March–May: Best time for fresh spring harvests

• Summer sales: Often discounted but lower-grade

• Autumn bundles: Good deals for casual sipping

Always check harvest year and batch freshness before buying.

Where to Buy Authentic Long Jing Tea Online

Trusted online shops:

• Teavivre

• Yunnan Sourcing

• Verdant Tea

• Mei Leaf

• Tea Drunk

They offer verified origin, lab-tested purity, and artisan harvests.

Top Long Jing Tea Brands to Try in 2025

• Teavivre Ming Qian Dragon Well

• Verdant West Lake Long Jing

• Mei Leaf Shi Feng Dragon Well

• Tea Drunk Hangzhou Premium Long Jing

• Yunnan Sourcing High-Elevation Dragon Well

Each offers unique terroir, expert roasting, and freshness.

Gifting Long Jing Tea – A Premium, Cultural Choice

Long jing makes a sophisticated gift:

• For weddings, birthdays, or business

• With a gaiwan or glass infuser

• Paired with calligraphy tins or silk boxes

It speaks of taste, tradition, and thoughtfulness.

Customer Reviews and Common Buying Mistakes

Happy customers praise:

• Fresh, chestnut aroma

• Sweet aftertaste

• Visual leaf beauty

Common mistakes include:

• Buying unknown brands

• Brewing with boiling water

• Expecting bitterness (good long jing is smooth!)

FAQs

What does long jing tea taste like?
It tastes smooth, sweet, and slightly nutty with vegetal undertones and a fresh finish.

Is long jing the same as Dragon Well tea?
Yes, "long jing" translates to "Dragon Well" in English.

How many times can I steep long jing?
Typically 2–3 times, with lighter flavors in later steeps.

Does long jing tea contain caffeine?
Yes, but in moderate amounts—less than black tea or coffee.

How do I know if my long jing tea is real?
Check the origin (West Lake), leaf shape, and aroma. Buy from trusted sources.

Conclusion

Long jing tea is more than just a drink—it’s a legacy in a cup. Whether you’re seeking a cleaner source of energy, a mindful moment, or a taste of ancient Chinese elegance, this tea offers all that and more. From its iconic flat leaves to its sweet, vegetal flavor, every sip is a tribute to centuries of craftsmanship.

Ready to experience it for yourself? Buy long jing tea online from trusted artisans and elevate your tea journey with every fragrant pour.