torsdag 19 augusti 2010

龙井茶 Ekologiskt Longjing Superior

龙井茶 Longjing which means "Dragons Well" is from Hangzhou, in the province of Zhejiang in China. This tea, which is also known as the national drink of China, is in tea production for as long as 1000 years back in tea history. Long jing is classified according to seven categories, superior, special and 1 down to 5 classes. The best ones are as carefully processed as hand harvested for only up to 1 kg a day per one best tea picker.

This particular Longjing which is by itself is already as special as ecologically produced is from small farmers located around the district. We recommend acquiring the best quality of water for best Longjing. Traditionally the best water of Dreaming of the Tiger Spring, in Hangzhou is desired.

Appearance in unbrewed form: The color of the leaves are light spring green. Longjing is best when harvested early and therefore the leaves were not supposed to be much longer than the bud when determining the quality of Longjing.

Appearance in brewed form: light apple green with traces of brown color more accented under the buds.

Aroma in unbrewed form: Forest and mushrooms.

Water temperatur: 80 - 85 degree.

Taste experience may be:

Brew 1:
Aroma: Sweet plum and forest.

Taste: The taste reminds of mushrooms just like in soup. It generally does not taste like its aroma when poured in cups, but rather taste like its aroma when still in teapot.

Brew 2:
Aroma: Sweet Plum

Taste: just like the first brewing, only shaper and brighter with a very mild taste of sweetness and salt.


Brew 3:
Aroma: forest and mushrooms

Taste: tastes just like with Brew number 1 and 2, only milder, but the taste of salt has got a bit stronger.


General opinion: This ecologically produced Longjing Superior is a tea that smells and looks otherwise than it taste. The best way to enjoy it is probably not to expect it to taste just like its aroma and appearance. It is rich with Vitamin C, Amino Acids, and has one of the highest concentration of Catechins. Recommendable to a long time and experienced tea drinker, but also be to persons who want to reduced weight. Great tea that accents aromatic food like mushrooms and chinese weeds.

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Foto: En Kopp Zen Tehus