🇨🇳 China · Drinks
Longjing Green Tea (Dragon Well Tea)
By eatmundo · July 8, 2026
🇨🇳 CNAI-generated imageLongjing Green Tea, also known as Dragon Well Tea, is one of China's most famous and revered green teas, originating from Hangzhou. Renowned for its distinctive flat, sword-shaped leaves, vibrant jade color, and exquisitely fresh, nutty aroma, it offers a sweet, mellow taste with a lingering, refreshing aftertaste. It's a delicate and sophisticated brew, perfect for appreciating the artistry of Chinese tea.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Start by selecting your teaware. For Longjing, a clear glass gaiwan or a tall glass mug is ideal, allowing you to appreciate the beautiful unfurling of the leaves. Ensure your teaware is clean and preheated with hot water to maintain the tea's temperature.
- 2
Measure out 3 grams of high-quality Longjing green tea leaves. These leaves are typically flat and slender, resembling a sparrow's tongue. Place them gently into your preheated gaiwan or glass mug.
- 3
Heat 200ml of fresh, filtered water to the ideal temperature of 80-85°C (175-185°F). Boiling water can scald delicate green tea leaves, leading to a bitter taste. Using good quality water is crucial for the best flavor.
- 4
Pour the heated water gently over the Longjing leaves. For the first infusion, allow the leaves to steep for approximately 45-60 seconds. Observe the leaves as they gracefully unfurl and release their vibrant jade color into the water. This is a visual treat.
- 5
Carefully pour the tea into your cup, savoring its delicate aroma. This first infusion should offer a sweet, mellow taste with a hint of roasted chestnut or fresh grass. Don't oversteep, as green tea can quickly become bitter.
- 6
For subsequent infusions, the steeping time can be gradually increased by 10-15 seconds. Longjing tea can typically be re-infused 3-5 times, with each brew revealing slightly different nuances in flavor and aroma. Enjoy the subtle evolution of the tea.
- 7
Before each re-infusion, take a moment to admire the plumped-up leaves and inhale their fresh fragrance. Serve the tea without milk or sugar to fully appreciate its natural elegance and complex flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Longjing tea?+
Longjing tea, also known as Dragon Well tea, is a pan-fired green tea originating from Hangzhou, China. It is prepared by steeping high-quality tea leaves in hot water and is typically consumed throughout the day as a beverage.
What is the ideal water temperature for brewing Longjing green tea to ensure the best flavor?+
To prevent bitterness and preserve Longjing's delicate flavor, use water heated to 80-85°C (175-185°F). Boiling water will scorch the leaves and destroy their nuanced taste.
How many Longjing tea leaves should I typically use for a single serving (one cup)?+
For a standard 200-250ml (7-8 oz) cup, use approximately 3-5 grams (about 1-2 teaspoons) of Longjing tea leaves. Adjust slightly based on your preferred strength.
What is the recommended steeping time for Longjing tea, especially for subsequent infusions?+
For the first infusion, steep for about 30-60 seconds. Increase subsequent steeping times slightly, by 10-20 seconds, for up to 3-5 infusions to extract more flavor without bitterness.
What type of water is best to use when brewing Longjing tea to achieve its purest taste?+
Soft, filtered, or spring water with a neutral pH is ideal for brewing Longjing tea. Hard water or tap water with strong chlorine can significantly alter and mask its delicate aroma and taste.
