How to Tell If Your Longjing Tea Is Real – 5 Simple Tests With its smooth flavor and cultural prestige, Longjing tea (Dragon Well) has captured hearts worldwide. But how can you ensure you’re drinking the real deal and not a poor imitation?
Here are 5 simple ways to check:
- 📍 Geographic Certification Authentic Longjing comes specifically from Hangzhou’s West Lake region. Look for:
Labels that mention “Xi Hu Longjing”
Geographic Indication (GI) markings
Trustworthy, transparent sourcing from your supplier
- 🧤 Feel the Texture High-quality Longjing is hand-pressed and dried, giving the leaves a silky, flat texture. Try rubbing a leaf between your fingers:
It should be smooth and not crumbly
Leaves shouldn't feel too dry or too thick
- 👃 Smell the Leaves Before brewing, take a sniff. Real Longjing has a toasty, green bean-like scent, with a subtle sweetness. Avoid teas that smell:
Smoky (unless roasted naturally)
Artificial or floral
Strong and perfumy
- 🫖 Observe the Brew Brew a small batch (80°C water, short steep). Watch for:
Clear, pale jade color in the tea liquor https://teateapot.com/ Whole leaves that open fully
No cloudiness, dust, or broken leaf debris
Fake teas often turn yellow or murky when steeped.
- 👅 Trust Your Tongue A real cup of Longjing will:
Start fresh and vegetal https://teateapot.com/ End with a gentle sweetness
Leave no bitterness on the tongue
If your tea tastes sour, dull, or too grassy — it’s probably not genuine.
Experience the difference with premium Longjing teas from https://teateapot.com/. Authentic. Fresh. Direct from China.