A Tea Cup Dropped

This West Lake Dragon Well green tea (Xihu Longjing in Chinese) is of excellent quality. The dry leaf, pan-roasted, is flat, emerald green, about 3/4 of an inch long. Infused, it has a refreshing taste, with hints of cashew: a rich, fresh, nutty flavor, characteristic of good Dragon Well tea. The tea broth is a pale yellowish green. The smell (infused and also dry) is similar to the taste.

Dragon Well is perhaps the most popular of all green teas. Once a 'tribute' tea for Qing Dynasty emperors, the tea is said to get its name from a dragon that inhabits a well, in the West Lake area of Hangzhou.

Brewed color: Pale yellowish-green Flavor: Refreshing, nutty, hints of cashew. Preparation: For best results, use spring or mineral water just before it comes to a boil.

Origin: West Lake (near Hangzhou), Zhejiang province, China. Classification: Green tea. Package Size: 100 grams (3.5 ounces). Grade: Medium-High. Picking Method: Hand.

See "About West Lake Dragon Well Tea" for an introduction to this popular tea from a Taiwanese-Chinese perspective.