Longjing Organic Green Tea from Sanxia District (龍井茶)

A very rare and uncharacteristic green tea for Taiwan, Longjing from Sanxia District is an unoxidized pan-roasted green tea with a strong aroma. It is also known as Long Jing or Dragon Well. This tea originates from mainland China, Zhejiang Province. In the 20th century, the production technology was brought to Taiwan, and it began to be produced in the Sanxia region.

Longjing is harvested before early April according to the Chinese lunar calendar. The picking is done in the morning hours. Two upper leaves are plucked. To produce 1 kg of tea, up to 100,000 shoots must be collected. After the harvest, the tea is sorted – only undamaged leaves of the same size are selected. The sorted shoots are laid out in a thin layer on mats and withered for 24 hours.

After sorting and withering, the leaves are pan-roasted under a hot press to prevent natural oxidation. During this process, they acquire their characteristic shape and are dried. Then the tea is spread on bamboo sieves and cooled. After that, it is packed for sale.

All processing is done entirely by hand, without the use of machines or mechanisms.

Longjing green tea is divided into seven categories – Superior Grade, Special Grade, and then Grades 1 through 5. We offer the top three grades:

• First Grade – Net weight 75 gr.
• Special Grade – Net weight 75 gr.
• Superior Grade – Net weight 90 gr.

Longjing contains more caffeine compared to oolongs. This is because the young tea leaves used in Longjing production contain the highest caffeine concentration in the tea plant. Pan-roasting at high temperatures also increases the caffeine concentration, giving the tea a more astringent flavor.

This exclusive green tea is produced in very small quantities. The tea bushes grow in an environmentally clean area.

Almost all Longjing produced is exported to Japan, and it is very rare to find it freely available on the market.

Tea leaves: The leaves are nearly flat, with a characteristic brownish tint.

Effects for the Body

Green tea usually contains the highest amount of antioxidants due to its high polyphenol content, and Longjing is no exception. In addition to caffeine and antioxidants, Longjing contains vitamins C and P, as well as potassium and calcium.

In traditional Chinese medicine, green tea is believed to have a cooling effect on the body, making it a good option for summer tea drinking.

Due to its relatively high caffeine content, Longjing is best consumed during the day. Green tea is rather strong and more astringent, so it is recommended to drink it after or during meals, but never on an empty stomach.

Taste

Longjing tea is known for its delicate yet complex flavor profile. This tea has a honeyed fruity taste with floral notes, a light grassy note, and a slightly sweet aftertaste.

Brewing Instructions

A clear glass vessel works best — nothing interferes with observing the degree of leaf opening and the tea’s color.

Green tea is brewed at a lower temperature compared to traditional oolongs.

Take 2–3 grams (1–1.5 teaspoons) of tea leaves, pour 200 ml of water at a temperature of 80°C (176°F), and immediately discard the water. This infusion is not for drinking; it is used to rinse the tea leaves.

Pour 225–250 ml of hot water (at 70–80°C / 158–176°F) over the rinsed tea leaves and steep for 20–25 seconds to 2–3 minutes. You can vary the steeping time according to your taste preferences.

Increase the steeping time with each subsequent infusion. The same portion of tea leaves can be used up to 8–10 times.

This is one of the traditional brewing methods. Depending on your taste preferences, steeping time may range from 35 seconds to 5 minutes.

Additional Information

Please note that this is a natural product with a high content of active compounds, including caffeine and minerals, which may cause unusual sensations, such as a rapid heartbeat. In this case, we recommend reducing the amount of dry tea used and decreasing the steeping time.