Chinese Longjing Green Tea Ceremony
I
Origin
West Lake, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province — Longjing has been cultivated for over 1,000 years; the West Lake Protected Designation of Origin encompasses only 168 square kilometres
II
Description
Longjing (Dragon Well) tea ceremony preparation: the precise brewing of China's most celebrated green tea. Pre-Qingming (mingqian) first-flush Longjing from West Lake, Hangzhou has a 5-day window each spring. The flat-pressed leaves are brewed in a glass (not ceramic) to observe the 'standing needle' — leaves slowly standing upright as they hydrate. Temperature: 75–80°C. Three infusions maximum.
III
The Thread
—Japanese gyokuro (premium shade-grown green tea — the Japanese parallel)
—Korean darye (Korean tea ceremony — similar precision brewing culture)
—French grand cru wine tasting (similar appreciation of terroir and vintage)
IV
Flavour Context
Sweet, vegetal, umami-rich, chestnut notes — the quintessence of premium Chinese green tea
Pillars V — VII
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