Longjing tea, often referred to as China's "Queen of Green Tea", is a very special type of green tea. Its name comes from the Longjing village in the West Lake District of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. This tea is known for its unique aroma, sweet flavor and beautiful appearance. As one of the top ten famous teas in China, Longjing tea is not only well known in China, but also highly respected internationally.
Historical Background of Longjing Tea
The history of Longjing tea can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty more than 1,200 years ago, but it was during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty that it really became famous throughout the world. It is said that when Emperor Qianlong visited the West Lake, he appreciated Longjing tea so much that he personally gave the name "Imperial Tea" to eighteen Longjing tea trees. Since then, Longjing tea has become a tribute to the royal family and has gained great fame.
Unique Characteristics of Longjing Tea
Longjing tea is unique not only because of its long history, but also because of its four characteristics: green color, lush fragrance, sweet taste and beautiful shape. High-quality Longjing tea, tea leaves tender green, bright color; after brewing, the tea broth is clear, the aroma is strong and long-lasting; the taste is fresh and sweet, with a long aftertaste; the tea leaves are flat and smooth, shaped like a bird's tongue.
Producing regions and classifications
The main production areas of Longjing tea are located in Zhejiang Province, including Xihu production area, Qiantang production area and Yuezhou production area. The quality of Longjing tea from different production areas varies due to differences in climate, soil and other conditions. Among them, the Longjing tea from the West Lake production area is the most famous, especially the Longjing tea from Shifeng Mountain, which is considered to be the best among the Longjing teas.
Longjing Tea Planting and Picking
The cultivation of Longjing tea is very demanding on the environment, requiring the selection of tea gardens with high altitude, moist climate and fertile soil. Every spring, tea growers start picking Longjing tea around the Qingming Festival. When picking, only young buds or one bud and one leaf are taken to ensure the freshness and quality of the tea leaves. After picking, the tea leaves need to go through several processes, such as spreading, killing, kneading and drying, before they are finally made into Longjing tea.
How to brew Longjing tea
There are also methods for brewing Longjing tea. There are three most commonly used methods: up-throwing method, center-throwing method and down-throwing method. The upper cast method is to inject water first and then cast tea, so that the tea leaves will slowly stretch in the water; the middle cast method is to inject one-third of the water first, and then cast tea, and finally full of water; the lower cast method is to cast tea first, and then inject water. Each of these three methods has its own merits, but all of them can fully display the color, aroma, taste and shape of Longjing tea.
Effects of Longjing Tea
As a kind of green tea, Longjing tea is rich in a variety of components that are beneficial to the human body. It not only refreshes the mind, but also has many health benefits such as antioxidant, fat loss and cholesterol reduction. In addition, the tea polyphenols and vitamin C in Longjing tea can also enhance the body's immunity and slow down aging.
How to buy quality Longjing tea
When you are shopping for Longjing tea, there are a few key points to pay attention to. First of all, look at the shape of the tea leaves, quality Longjing tea cord tight, shaped like a bird's tongue; second, look at the color of the tea leaves, quality Longjing tea color tender green, bright; again, smell the aroma of the tea leaves, quality Longjing tea aroma fragrance persistent; and finally, taste the tea broth, quality Longjing tea tea broth is clear, taste fresh and sweet.
concluding remarks
Longjing tea is not only a drink, but also a symbol of culture. It carries thousands of years of history and culture, bringing together the essence of nature and the crystallization of human wisdom. In the process of tasting Longjing tea, we can not only feel its unique aroma and flavor, but also appreciate the deep heritage of Chinese tea culture. If you haven't tried Longjing tea yet, why don't you find a chance to taste it and experience the unique charm of this "Queen of Green Tea"?
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