Tea: Longwu Dragonwell (Longjing)

Grower: Farmer Ge, The Ge Family

Origin: Longwu Village, in West Lake. Hangzhou, in Zhejiang, China.

Harvest Date: April 10, 2014

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This April 10 harvest of Longwu is aromatic, vegetal, and chestnut-sweet, with a warm, lasting finish. The texture is very smooth, and carries a lingering fragrance. A very well-rounded Dragonwell.

Longwu Village is one of the lesser-known tea villages in the traditional West Lake Dragonwell area. Because Dragonwell is one of China's most famous teas, there are many counterfeits in nearby areas, so if tea buyers want to source authentic Dragonwell it is important to buy from trusted sources.

While the Dragonwell area has many skilled farmers, most grow with chemicals and fertilizers, including Farmer Ge at present. He is pushing towards more natural methods, however, and is experimenting with tea fields that are set to become chemical-free in 3 years. We hope to see him produce chemical-free Dragonwell soon, and inspire other Dragonwell growers to farm with more natural methods.

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Recommended Brewing Instructions:

Standard Style: Use 2tsp (~3g) per 250ml cup. Brew for 2 minutes.

- 175F for a sweeter, lighter profile.

- 185F for a nuttier, more aromatic profile.

This tea can be re-brewed up to 4 times, with hotter water and longer infusions.

Dragonwell Style: Cover the bottom of a heat-resistant glass cup or tumbler with leaves, then pour 185F water enough to cover the leaves. Enjoy the aroma of the tea.

Then, fill the rest of the glass with the water, and let steep until the leaves have unfurled and are sinking to the bottom of the glass.

Enjoy the tea and keep refilling the glass with hot water as necessary.