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Green Tea Brewing
**1. West Lake Longjing (Dragon Well)**
West Lake Longjing, the most famous green tea variety, is also known as the number one tea in China. It is named after the Dragon Well area in the West Lake region of Hangzhou, Zhejiang.
Commonly referred to as West Lake Longjing or simply Longjing, it is mainly produced in the Shifeng, Longjing, Wuyunshan, and Hupao areas around Hangzhou. Historically, it was classified into four categories: Shifeng, Longjing, Wuyun, and Hupao, with Shifeng often considered to have the best quality.
West Lake Longjing is renowned for its "four excellences" – vibrant green color, rich aroma, mellow flavor, and beautiful appearance. The leaves are flat, straight, with a slight yellowish-green hue like rough rice. The taste is sweet, fresh, and mellow, and the aroma is elegant and pure, with a bright green-yellow color and delicate leaf buds.
Brewing West Lake Longjing:
- Water temperature: 85-95°C (use pre-boiled water and let it cool slightly before brewing).
- Tea-to-water ratio: 3g per cup (or adjust according to personal preference).
- Water choice: Purified or spring water (avoid using repeatedly boiled water as it can affect the oxygen content in the tea).
- Brewing vessels: Ceramic or glass teaware can be used.
- Preheat the cup and pour out the water, add the tea leaves, and then pour one-fifth of the boiling water to wet the leaves. Gently shake for about 30 seconds. Follow by pouring seven-tenths of the boiling water and steep for 35 seconds before serving.
**2. Dongting Biluochun**
Another famous green tea variety, Dongting Biluochun, is produced in the Taohua Peak area near Dongting Lake in Jiangsu. Its rolled appearance resembles snail spirals. It's known for its floral and fruity fragrance, earning it the reputation of being the "flower and fruit of tea." Dongting Biluochun is made from the tender spring tea buds, and higher-grade versions require an astonishing number of tea buds per kilogram.
The tea leaves are finely rolled, tightly knotted, with visible white hairs. The color is silver-green, and the flavor is floral and fruity, creating a delightful and memorable tea-drinking experience.
To brew Dongting Biluochun, use a high-quality teapot, gaiwan, or glass teacup. Preheat your teaware, add about 5-6 grams of tea leaves to the teapot, pour hot water, and steep for around 45 seconds. Repeat this process for about five to six times to fully appreciate the tea's delightful aroma and flavor.
**3. Xinyang Maofeng**
Xinyang Maofeng is a famous green tea variety produced in the Dabie Mountains of Xinyang, Henan province. It is known for its tender leaves, fine craftsmanship, beautiful appearance, high fragrance, and long-lasting taste. The tea has a history of over two thousand years and is primarily cultivated in the mountainous regions around Cheyun Mountain, Jiyun Mountain, Tianyun Mountain, Yunwu Mountain, Zhenlei Mountain, and Heilongtan.
Xinyang Maofeng's brewing method can vary, but typically you should use about 4-5 grams of tea leaves per 200ml of water at a temperature of 80-90°C. You can brew it for about 3-10 minutes, depending on personal preference. The tea can be steeped multiple times, with the second and third infusions being particularly enjoyable.
**4. Huangshan Maofeng**
Huangshan Maofeng is a renowned green tea produced in Anhui's Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) region, particularly in the areas surrounding Taohuafeng, Yungu Temple, Diaochanyan, Ciguang Pavilion, and Banji Monastery. The unique climate and landscape in this region, with high mountains, lush forests, and frequent cloud cover, provide an ideal environment for tea cultivation.
The brewing method for Huangshan Maofeng includes using hot water to preheat the teapot and teacup, adding 5-6 grams of tea leaves to the teapot, and pouring hot water over the tea. The first infusion is ready to drink after 3 minutes. Subsequent infusions can be brewed for slightly shorter durations. Water temperature and tea quantity can be adjusted to taste.
**5. Lushan Yunwu**
Lushan Yunwu Tea, also known as Cloud and Mist Tea, is a renowned green tea variety produced on Lushan Mountain in Jiangxi province. It is referred to as "Wenlin Tea" in ancient times and has been known as "Lushan Yunwu" since the Ming Dynasty.
Lushan Yunwu Tea has a jade-like green color, a fragrance reminiscent of orchids, a rich and mellow taste, and fat, tender, and bright green leaves.
To brew Lushan Yunwu, you can use around 3-4 grams of tea leaves per 200ml of water at a temperature of 80-90°C. The tea can be steeped for 3-5 minutes, and it's common to enjoy multiple infusions.
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