West Lake Longjing Pre-Qingming Green Tea (Dragon Well), 50g

West Lake Longjing Pre-Qingming Green Tea

Longjing (Dragon Well) from West Lake, Hangzhou, sits at the very top of China's famous-tea list. "Pre-Qingming" (mingqian) means the buds were picked before the Qingming festival in early April, when cool weather keeps growth slow and the leaves exceptionally tender. These scarce first flushes define the Longjing ideal: emerald colour, rich aroma, sweet taste and a beautifully even, flat leaf. Brewed in glass, the buds sink and rise in a gentle "tea dance."

Why you'll love it

• Rare pre-Qingming first-flush grade — the most coveted Longjing
• Fresh, sweet and mellow with a soft chestnut note, very low bitterness
• Tender whole buds that "dance" beautifully in a glass
• A small, precious tin that makes a meaningful gift

How to brew

Use water at 80–85°C (never boiling) and about 3g in a tall glass; pour a little water to wake the leaves, then fill. Green-tea buds are delicate, so keep early steeps short.

Product details

• Net weight: 50g
• Type: pan-fired green tea, pre-Qingming grade
• Origin: West Lake, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
• Refrigerate sealed after opening for best freshness

The definitive spring green tea for quiet, fresh-tasting mornings.