🇨🇳 China · Drinks
Longjing Green Tea (Dragon Well Tea)
By eatmundo · July 8, 2026
Longjing 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 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.
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