Tea: Meijiawu Dragonwell (Longjing)

Grower: The Zhu Family

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

Harvest Date: April 12, 2014

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This April 12 harvest is exceptionally elegant and fresh, with a long-lasting, smooth aftertaste and buttery texture. Has the mellow sweet chestnut flavors and bolder grassy flavors. Compared to the April 15 harvest, this earlier harvest is more complex and nuanced. The textures are invigorating and electric to start, then end with a silky mouthfeel.

Because Dragonwell is one of China's most famous teas, it can be tricky to source authentic Dragonwell tea; surrounding areas make counterfeits, and only the West Lake tea villages make true Dragonwell. Meijiawu Village is one of the oldest and most well-known villages.

The Zhu Family has been growing tea in the village for generations, and their tea is refined, elegant, and complex, with beautiful jade colors.

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Recommended Brewing Instructions:

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

- 175F for a lighter, fresher profile with a silky texture and grassy flavors.

- 185F for a fresh, grassy profile with buttery textures and nutty undertones.

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

Dragonwell Style: Cover the bottom of a heat-resistant glass cup or tumblr 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.