Longjing tea (Longjing cha)

Longjing tea, literally translated to dragon well, is one of the best and most popular Chinese teas. It is a type of pan-roasted green tea. After roasting, the leaves should be emerald-colored, broad, flat, smooth, and brittle.

When brewed, this tea will produce a green-gold brew with a refreshing flavor and mellow vegetal aromas that often include buttery, toasty, nutty, and chestnut-like nuances. High-quality Longjing is usually harvested in spring, while summer harvest mostly produces low-quality versions.

Because of its high-quality and limited availability, the first pickings of authentic Longjing can reach astronomical prices and sell for up to $875 per kilo. Zhejiang province is the center of production for Longjing, but the West Lake area around Hangzhou is generally considered the home and the center for top-grade Longjing tea.

Less authentic and usually lower quality versions of this famed tea are produced in several other Chinese regions. The popularity of this tea dates back to the Qing dynasty and the emperor Qianlong, who gave it the status of imperial tea. Longjing tea would pair well with fried, grilled, or smoked seafood, cheese, and various desserts.