Where to Begin Your Longjing Tea Journey?
Why Does the Price Vary So Much for This Type of Tea?
Not All Longjing Tea Is Equal
As the saying goes, “Mingqian tea is as precious as gold.” Different sources of Longjing tea can vary significantly in price, ranging from hundreds to thousands per catty (Chinese measurement of weight).
Season and Harvest
To ensure you make the right choice, we provide this concise guide for tea enthusiasts seeking the best Longjing tea.
Longjing tea has two essential harvest periods: “Mingqian” (pre-Qingming) and “Yushui” (pre-Rain). These periods, along with the origin of the tea, significantly influence its value.
The Mingqian harvest, which begins around March 20th, features plump buds and abundant nutrients, giving it a fresher and more delicate taste. Due to its short picking window, the price for Mingqian Longjing can soar to thousands of dollars per catty.
After Qingming, the tea leaves become coarser and older, affecting the flavor and gradually lowering the price. However, it is incomparable to the superior taste of Mingqian Longjing.
Production Volume
According to the “2018 Work Report of the West Lake District Longjing Tea Industry Association,” the total annual yield of Longjing tea in the entire region is 575 tons.
The primary production area (famous scenic spots) yields 129 tons (approximately 258,000 catties) annually, while the secondary production area (West Lake District) produces 446 tons (approximately 892,000 catties) each year.
Varieties
For top-quality Mingqian Longjing, the “43号” (No. 43) variety is a popular choice. Its leaves are straight and uniform, with a slightly yellowish green hue, and it exudes a refreshing fragrance. The taste is tender and fresh, making it an excellent choice for tea connoisseurs.
Additionally, Longjing tea made from the “Longjing Qunti” (Longjing population variety) follows a traditional style. It boasts a green color, rich fragrance, sweet taste, and beautiful appearance. Both varieties possess unique characteristics, making it challenging to determine which is superior.
Craftsmanship
Traditionally, Longjing tea made through entirely manual frying is considered of higher quality. However, there are also semi-manual and machine processing methods that emphasize efficiency and produce a better appearance to meet mass demand.
While machine-made Longjing may have a more appealing appearance, handcrafted Longjing surpasses it in taste and fragrance. Handcrafting is time-consuming and requires skilled tea artisans, leading to a higher price compared to machine-made varieties.
Purchase and Gifting
“Head-picking” Longjing tea is more of a hype and not necessarily worth pursuing. It is an extravagant option for those with deeper pockets, while enthusiasts can indulge in a few ounces to satisfy their taste buds during spring.
For most tea lovers, blindly pursuing Mingqian Longjing is unnecessary as it falls under the premium category.
If you wish to present a thoughtful gift to friends or elders, offering Mingqian Longjing tea would undoubtedly express your warm intentions.
On the other hand, “Yuhou” (pre-Rain) Longjing serves as a daily favorite and may not hold much significance for the majority of tea enthusiasts.
As you embark on your Longjing tea journey, keep these valuable insights in mind to make the most informed choices and savor the unique flavors that Longjing tea has to offer. Cheers to a delightful tea exploration!