Longjing — which way do you like it

I have not gotten around to try that since I read about it in the Longjing page. Will definitely let you know my verdict. Maybe a new teapot for the purpose first? Definitely.

Tricky to get it right using the Yixing pot with a lot of leaves to make it strong but not too bitter. It becomes bad texture and too bitter when temperature is too high, or not enough ‘body’ when too low. This is relative to room temperature, Yixing pot thickness and size, and Longjing quality too. I like it when I can really make time to do it carefully. Otherwise, the mug approach is okay with me for daily drinking.

Does it mean better quality Longjing would be less bitter?

Some people like lighter tea liquid, some like stronger. For green and black tea I like them lighter. Some oolongs and some puers I like them stronger in gongfu style.

I like it both ways! As Longjing 43 puts it well, the gongfu way is good when you are able to make yourself to make time for it. Otherwise, a good Longjing always has its place in the mug on my desk!

In my opinion, the reason I would take the trouble to buy good long’jing in an online shop is because of the special taste it has, which is very different from good Japanese green tea. I think it is good either strong in a Yixing teapot or not so strong in a bigger porcelain teapot, or on a tall glass. However, the Yixing teapot is very important. It has to be good thick Yixing purple clay and very good seasoning. If no good Yixing teapot, maybe a very good small porcelain teapot is better. The different is good Yixing teapot you can use slightly higher temperature water for more taste, porcelain teapot cannot.

I found best for me with Longjing is using a Gaiwan with sandwich technique- fill the gaiwan a quarter full with 80degree water, drop leaves in to cover water, leave open for 1minute, then fill rest of gaiwan with 90degree water, leave with lid on for 30seconds- very tasty!

That’s very good technique. I thought I was the only onto use it.  😉

How different is Longjing from April Mist? I mean in taste.

Very different. A good longing is a lot more taste and more after taste. It smells very good and comfortable too. It is my most loved tea. There are also different stye of taste when the longing is from different famous mountains because of tree type and frying style and environment.