5 Key Traits to Spot Authentic Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea Longjing tea, also known as Dragon Well tea, is one of Chinaโs most prized green teas โ and sadly, one of the most counterfeited. If you're investing in this legendary tea, knowing how to distinguish the real from the fake is essential.
Here are 5 key traits to identify authentic Longjing tea:
- ๐ฟ Origin: Look for West Lake True Longjing tea comes from the West Lake (Xi Hu) area of Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. Variants grown outside this region may mimic the appearance but lack the flavor complexity and terroir of genuine West Lake Longjing.
Always ask your vendor about the exact origin and look for protected designation labels.
- ๐ Leaf Shape: Flat and Smooth Real Longjing leaves are:
Flat, spear-shaped, and smooth
Pressed during pan-frying for a polished finish Uniform in size, with a pale green or jade color Fake teas often have curled, rough, or uneven leaves.
๐ฑ Aroma: Chestnut Fragrance Authentic Longjing tea has a fresh, nutty aroma, often described as roasted chestnut or bean-like. The scent is delicate and clean โ not overpowering or grassy. https://teateapot.com/ If the aroma is too strong, burnt, or synthetic, itโs likely a fake or heavily flavored version.
๐ต Taste: Sweet, Not Bitter True Longjing tea has a signature sweet aftertaste (called โhui ganโ in Chinese), along with light vegetal and umami notes. It should feel smooth on the tongue โ never overly bitter or sour.
A flat or one-dimensional taste is a red flag.
- ๐ง Clarity When Brewed When steeped, the liquor should be clear with a hint of green-gold. The leaves should float vertically before gently sinking โ this graceful โtea danceโ is a classic Longjing feature.
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