China’s Long Jin Green Tea

Finding and buying some of the best tea depends on relationships and introductions. Last year when my partner and I were purchasing tea in China, we were fortunate enough to have been introduced to the West Lake region and where the real Long Jin / Dragons Well Green Tea is grown, harvested and produced. Here we met a fantastic tea farmer and his family who indeed had some of the best quality Long Jin Green Tea. Timing is everything during harvest time as the tea quality changes quickly. We were able to buy the 1st and 2nd flush / picking and it was a real treat. Human hands mean love, and we could taste the hard work and pride in his superior green tea.

After the tea is picked and shade dried, the leaves are baked using this cauldron. Here lies the art of baking the leaves to bring out the full character of this delicious green tea.