West Lake Dragon Well Tea, also known as Xi Hu Long Jing (西湖龙井), is one of the most renowned teas in China, specifically a green tea variety. It is cultivated in the vicinity of the West Lake Dragon Well Village, situated amidst the picturesque mountains of Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, and derives its name from this region. With a history spanning over 1,200 years, West Lake Dragon Well Tea has earned a revered place in Chinese tea culture, lauded by emperors and scholars alike. This iconic tea is known for its unique flavor profile and meticulous production process, making it one of the most cherished varieties in the world of tea.
Historical Roots
The history of West Lake Dragon Well Tea is steeped in tradition, stretching back to China’s Tang Dynasty. In the world’s first-ever tea treatise, “The Classic of Tea” authored by the renowned tea sage Lu Yu, there are records of tea production in Hangzhou’s Tianzhu and Lingyin temples.
During the Northern Song Dynasty, the Dragon Well tea region began to take shape, and teas like “Fragrant Forest Tea” from the Xianglin Cave in Lingyin and “White Cloud Tea” from the White Cloud Peak in Tianzhu were classified as tribute teas. The Southern Song Dynasty, with Hangzhou as its capital, witnessed further advancements in tea production.
During the Yuan Dynasty, the quality of Dragon Well tea continued to improve. In the Ming Dynasty, West Lake Dragon Well Tea started gaining recognition and gradually moved beyond monasteries to be enjoyed by common people.
Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty visited Hangzhou’s West Lake region six times and, during his visits, observed the tea production process and composed poetry while savoring the tea. He even bestowed the title “Imperial Tea” upon the eighteen tea trees in front of the Hugong Temple. From that moment, West Lake Dragon Well Tea became famous both in China and abroad, attracting tea enthusiasts from far and wide.
In the Republican era, West Lake Dragon Well Tea emerged as one of the premier varieties of Chinese tea, solidifying its reputation as an iconic and treasured tea.
Brewing Method
The art of brewing West Lake Dragon Well Tea is a testament to the care and precision that goes into preparing this exquisite beverage. Here are the key steps for a perfect brew:
Water Temperature: Use water at a temperature of 85-95°C (185-203°F). Avoid using boiling water; allow it to cool slightly in the kettle before brewing.
Tea Quantity: Use approximately 3 grams of tea leaves per cup. Adjust the quantity to suit your personal taste.
Water Selection: Use purified water or spring water. Repeatedly boiling water can reduce its oxygen content, affecting the tea’s flavor.
Teaware: You can use ceramic or glass teaware for brewing.
Brewing Process: Preheat the teacup with hot water, then discard the water. Place the tea leaves in the cup, pour one-fifth of the hot water over them, allow it to soak for about 30 seconds to activate the leaves’ fragrance. Then, pour water until the cup is about 70% full, and after approximately 35 seconds, your West Lake Dragon Well Tea is ready to be enjoyed.
Health Benefits
Often referred to as the “Green Tea Queen,” West Lake Dragon Well Tea is cherished not only for its exquisite taste but also for its health benefits. Here are some of the remarkable effects of this tea:
Odor Control and Digestive Aid: The compounds in West Lake Dragon Well Tea can help combat bad breath by inhibiting the activity of enzymes responsible for producing foul-smelling compounds. It also stimulates the secretion of digestive fluids, aiding in the breakdown of starch, protein, and fat for better digestion.
Weight Management and Skin Health: Components like caffeine, inositol, folate, pantothenic acid, and aromatic substances in Dragon Well tea help regulate fat metabolism. The tea polyphenols and vitamin C in it can lower cholesterol levels and promote fat loss, making it a valuable addition to weight management programs.
Anti-Aging Properties: The tea polyphenols in West Lake Dragon Well Tea effectively scavenge excess free radicals, preventing the peroxidation of fatty acids, thus helping to slow down the aging process.
Fatigue Reduction: The caffeine in Dragon Well Tea stimulates the central nervous system, enhancing alertness, mental acuity, and overall well-being while reducing fatigue and boosting productivity.
Cavity Prevention: West Lake Dragon Well Tea contains fluoride, which has a strong affinity for tooth enamel, forming a protective layer that enhances resistance to acid and cavities.
Cancer Inhibition: With around 15% catechins, West Lake Dragon Well Tea exhibits potent antioxidant properties, capable of inhibiting vascular aging and purifying the blood.
Diuretic Effects: The caffeine and theobromine in Dragon Well Tea have diuretic properties, making it useful for treating edema and water retention.
Cardiac Health and Spasm Relief: The caffeine in Dragon Well Tea has a positive effect on the heart, acting as a muscle relaxant and vasodilator. It can help relieve bronchial spasms, improve blood circulation, and serve as a supportive treatment for conditions like bronchial asthma, coughing, and heart attacks.
Atherosclerosis Prevention: The tea polyphenols and vitamin C in West Lake Dragon Well Tea actively promote blood circulation, preventing atherosclerosis.
