Longjing Tea, also known as Dragon Well Tea, is a type of Chinese green tea that hails from the Longjing Village in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. With a history dating back to the Tang Dynasty, Longjing Tea is not only one of the most famous teas in China but also享誉全球.
The region surrounding Hangzhou is characterized by its mild climate, fertile soil, and abundant rainfall, which are ideal conditions for cultivating tea. The tea plants are meticulously cared for, with the first flush of spring leaves being the most prized for their tenderness and flavor. The picking process is labor-intensive and requires skilled hands to select only the top two leaves and a bud, ensuring the highest quality for Longjing Tea.
The制作工艺 of Longjing Tea is a traditional craft passed down through generations. It involves a series of steps including wilting, pan-firing, rolling, and drying. The pan-firing, or "Kao Qing," is a critical step where the leaves are heated in a wok to deactivate enzymes and prevent oxidation, which would otherwise turn the leaves brown. This process is done by hand, with the tea master continuously tossing and rolling the leaves to ensure even heating and to shape them into their characteristic flat, sword-like form.
Longjing Tea is categorized into several grades based on the time of harvest and the size and shape of the leaves. The highest grade, "Pre-Qing Ming," is harvested before the Qing Ming festival and is considered the finest due to its small leaf size and delicate flavor. Other grades include "Qing Ming," "Guan Yin," and "Mei Zhi," each with its own unique characteristics.
Tasting Longjing Tea is an experience that engages all the senses. The dry leaves have a vibrant green color and a fresh, grassy aroma. When steeped in water at around 75-85°C, they unfurl and release a sweet, chestnut-like fragrance. The liquor is a pale green, clear and bright, with a smooth, mellow taste that is slightly sweet and refreshing. The aftertaste is long-lasting and leaves a pleasant sensation on the palate.
To fully appreciate Longjing Tea, it is best enjoyed in a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, where the focus is on the ritual and the tea itself. The tea is served in small cups, allowing the drinker to savor each sip and appreciate the nuances of flavor and aroma. The ritual of preparing and drinking Longjing Tea is as much a part of the experience as the tea itself, reflecting the harmony and balance that is central to Chinese tea culture.
In conclusion, Longjing Tea is more than just a beverage; it is a symbol of Chinese culture and a testament to the country's rich history of tea cultivation and craftsmanship. Its unique flavor profile and the meticulous process of its creation make it a tea that is celebrated and cherished by connoisseurs around the world.