Spring is the time when spring Tea and tea lovers come together.
By April, new batches of Longjing tea will be released. Longjing tea is renowned worldwide for its tender green color, fragrant aroma, sweet taste, and elegant appearance. So how do we choose good quality Longjing tea?
Look at the Production Area
Firstly, you can select Longjing tea based on its origin. There are three main production areas for Longjing tea: the West Lake area, which includes the current administrative region of West Lake District (West Lake Scenic Area) in Hangzhou City; the Qiantang area, including the current administrative regions of Xiaoshan, Binjiang, Yuhang, Fuyang, Lin'an, Tonglu, Jiande, and Chun'an counties (cities, districts); and the Yuezhou area, including the current administrative regions of Shaoxing, Yuecheng, Xinchang, Shengzhou, Zhuji counties (cities, districts) in Shaoxing City, as well as some towns in Shangyu, Pan'an, Dongyang, and Tiantai counties (cities). The quality of tea from different production areas varies, and there can be significant differences in price.
Map of the Geographical Indication Product Protection Scope for Longjing Tea
Additionally, you can check if the product packaging of Longjing tea has a Chinese geographical indication label, which is a more direct method.
Assess Quality
Besides the origin, the quality of the tea should be given more attention. According to the standard “Geographical Indication Product Longjing Tea” (GB/T 18650—2008), Longjing tea is classified into different grades, which can be divided into Special Grade, First Grade, Second Grade, Third Grade, Fourth Grade, and Fifth Grade based on sensory quality. In daily life, we can select Longjing tea by observing five aspects: appearance, aroma, taste, Infusion color, and infused leaves.
First, look at the appearance. High-quality dry Longjing tea has a flat and smooth shape, sharp and slender, with a tender and fresh green color, uniform, solid, and clean. The difference in color between a rough rice color and a tender green color is mainly due to the different temperatures used during the stir-frying process of Longjing tea.
Second, assess the aroma. At this point, we cannot just smell the dry tea; we need to evaluate it through wet sniffing after brewing. First, check if there are any unusual odors, then assess the intensity and richness of the aroma, and finally, evaluate its longevity. High-quality Longjing tea has an aroma that is primarily fresh or floral, rich, and lasting. Every time you brew new Longjing tea, the scent immerses you in the colors of spring.
Third, taste. The taste is crucial when selecting good tea. High-quality Longjing tea typically has a fresh, mellow, and sweet taste.
Fourth, observe the infusion color. The quality of the infusion can be judged based on its color and clarity. High-quality Longjing tea usually has a young green, bright, and clear infusion color.
Fifth, inspect the infused leaves. The infused leaves of high-quality Longjing tea are highly aesthetically pleasing, with fine buds and leaves, tender and bright green. Especially when brewed in a glass cup, the uniform, delicate buds and leaves dance in the cup, creating a delightful sight.
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