West Lake Longjing tea, often hailed as the “Queen of Green Tea,” owes much of its reputation to its remarkable properties and effects. Being an unfermented tea with cooling properties, brewing West Lake Longjing tea requires a delicate touch to bring out its full flavor. There are four primary methods for brewing this exquisite tea:
1. Upward Pouring Method
- Start by preparing a glass cup with a capacity of about 200ml, maintaining a tea-to-water ratio of roughly 1:50. Pour in hot water at around 85°C (185°F) and then add approximately 4 grams of West Lake Longjing tea leaves. (In traditional tea ceremonies, specific techniques may be employed for placing the tea leaves and water.)
- Wait patiently for the Longjing tea leaves to gracefully sink to the bottom of the cup.
- Watch as the Longjing tea leaves slowly unfurl, floating up and down in the cup.
- Once the tea leaves have danced their way to the top and the tea liquor appears clear and green, it’s time to savor the exquisite flavors.
Take this opportunity to appreciate the slow, graceful unfurling of the tea leaves as they create a vivid and captivating display in your cup.
2. Middle Pouring Method
- Prepare a 200ml glass cup and initially pour in about one-third of hot water at around 85°C (185°F). Then, add approximately 5-7 grams of West Lake Longjing tea leaves.
- As the Longjing tea leaves gently unfurl, you can lightly shake them to encourage faster infusion, and then top up the cup with boiling water, ensuring not to overfill.
- Wait for the tea leaves to move up and down, infusing the tea liquor, and you’re ready to enjoy the delightful flavors.
3. Downward Pouring Method
- For this method, you’ll need a lidded porcelain cup. Start by warming the cup and adding an appropriate amount of Longjing tea leaves. Add a small quantity of lukewarm water and gently swirl the cup to ensure the tea leaves are thoroughly moistened and allowed to unfurl naturally.
- Once the tea leaves have slightly unfurled, fill the cup to about nine-tenths full with hot water. Wait for the tea leaves to release their flavors into the tea liquor. Gently stir the tea liquor with the lid to ensure even infusion, and then pour it into a small tea cup to savor.
4. Covered Bowl Brewing Method
The Covered Bowl Brewing Method for West Lake Longjing tea emphasizes a seamless, continuous process.
- Begin by warming a covered porcelain bowl and several fair cups by pouring a small amount of hot water into each. This not only enhances the aroma but also ensures the cleanliness of your tea utensils.
- Place approximately 5-7 grams of Longjing tea leaves into the covered bowl.
- Add a small amount of water to moisten the tea leaves, then cover the bowl. Lift the bowl and gently shake it to thoroughly moisten the tea leaves.
- After a few minutes, open the bowl and bring the lid close to the tea to savor the aroma of the Longjing tea, which may contain notes of chestnut, orchid, and more.
- Once the tea leaves have absorbed moisture, pour in hot water at around 85°C (185°F).
- Pour the tea liquor into the prepared fair cups and enjoy.
When brewing Longjing tea, it is essential to pay close attention to water temperature. The ideal water temperature typically ranges from 75°C to 85°C (167°F to 185°F). Avoid using boiling water at 100°C, as Longjing tea is an unfermented tea with delicate leaves. Using overly hot water can scorch the leaves and bring out unwanted bitterness.
Enjoy the art of Longjing tea brewing, and take your time to appreciate the unique flavors and aromas that this exquisite tea has to offer. With the right brewing technique and attention to detail, you can unlock the full potential of West Lake Longjing tea and savor its regal qualities.
