West Lake Longjing: origin, flavour and brewing

Longjing is a green tea associated with Zhejiang. Its named production areas include West Lake, Qiantang and Yuezhou. Only Longjing from the West Lake area is West Lake Longjing. A flat leaf shape or the word “Longjing” on its own does not establish that origin.

Longjing’s flattened form is created during making. Bud-and-leaf standards vary with grade and product. The drawings show how picking can differ; they do not replace a product’s stated specification. Look at the whole picture—leaf condition, making, aroma and the brewed cup—rather than one visual feature alone.

Look for the selected tea’s own balance of freshness, sweetness and texture. Common tasting references include tender-bean, chestnut-like and floral notes, but the harvest and making affect the result. The infusion is generally pale and clear; compare the dry and opened leaves alongside the aroma in the cup.