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Xi Hu Longjing Tea Plantations
Associated to Place: AncientWorlds > The Orient > China > Hangzhou > Xi Hu > articles -- by * Jia Li Shen Chi (123 Articles), Social Article 1 Featured February 22 , 2007
Xi Hu Longjing Tea Plantations:
Dragon Well Tea

by Kutulun Khan

FanTea

Longjing or Dragon Well is a famous variety of green tea hailing from the region around Hangzhou and other areas of the Zhejiang Province. Unlike other green teas, Longjing leaves are pan-fried to stop their fermentation process. And unlike grapes, which ferment when combined with various microorganisms, tea ferments as the leaves dry, resulting in an enzymatic oxidation. This oxidation is stopped by frying or steaming the leaves before they completely dry out.

When steeped, Longjing tea produces a yellow-green color, pure gentle aroma and rich flavor, which is much prized by connoisseurs. It is high in Vitamin C and amino acids and has high concentrations of catechins.

The highest grade of Longjing is called Xi Hu Longjing, taking its name from the shores of the beautiful lake. It is grown in a designated area of 168 square kilometers, and only leaves from this small area can be called Xi Hu Longjing.

This tea has more than a thousand years of recorded history and was mentioned in the first ever tea book, Cha Ching by Lu Yu, written during the Tang Dynasty. It’s so popular that famous personages such as Queen Elizabeth II, Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger made sure they had a sip before they left the shores of China.

Bai Long

Posted Feb 9, 2007 - 00:21 , Last Edited: Feb 22, 2007 - 23:04











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