At a glance: Organic Lung Ching Superior, a Chinese grand cru with flat, golden leaves. Brew at 70-80°C for 1.5 min, 12-15 g/L. Notes of fresh chestnut and sweet almond.
Lung Ching, sometimes written Long Jing, is among the most celebrated Chinese green teas in the world. Its name means "Dragon Well", a reference to the historic village beside West Lake in China. Our organic Superior selection offers a refined yet approachable expression of this iconic tea.
At Thés & Traditions, we chose this cru for its rare balance of fresh, vegetal character and gentle sweetness. Explore our selection of rare teas and grand crus to continue your journey through exceptional terroirs.
The Aromatic Profile of Lung Ching Superior
This Chinese grand cru is instantly recognisable by its flat, smooth leaves in a tender jade green. That distinctive shape comes from an age-old craft: the leaves are pressed and shaped by hand in heated woks, right after the spring harvest.
On the nose, the cup opens with fresh-cut grass and white flowers. In the heart, delicate notes of fresh chestnut and sweet almond emerge, the unmistakable signature of Lung Ching. On the finish, a lightly sweet, almost buttery warmth lingers long after the last sip.
The infusion yields a clear, luminous golden-yellow liquor. The mouthfeel is beautifully round, with no bitterness when the water temperature is respected. This is a tea of great finesse, best enjoyed pure, without food pairing.
If you enjoy vegetal, delicate profiles, you may also like our Mao Feng Hua Hai green tea or the White Monkey 1st Grade Deluxe green tea, two other gems from our selection.
How to Brew Lung Ching Superior
Brewing a Long Jing calls for a gentle touch. Water that is too hot will scorch the delicate leaves and bring out an unwanted bitterness. Follow these parameters to unlock the full aromatic potential of this tea.
Water: low in minerals, ideally filtered.
Temperature: 70 to 80°C, never boiling.
Dosage: 12 to 15 g per litre, roughly one heaped teaspoon per 250 ml.
Steeping time: 1 minute 30 seconds only.
Pour the water gently over the leaves and watch them slowly unfurl in the cup. You can re-steep the leaves two or three times, adding a little extra time with each infusion. Try tasting each steep side by side to appreciate how the aromas evolve from one pass to the next.
Storage
Keep your Lung Ching in its original tin, away from light, moisture and strong odours. Seal the container carefully after each use. For the best experience, consume within twelve months to enjoy its full vegetal freshness and delicate bouquet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lung Ching?
Lung Ching, also written Long Jing, is a Chinese green tea from the West Lake region. Its name means "Dragon Well". It is distinguished by its flat, wok-fired leaves and its refined, nuanced aromatic profile.
How do I brew Lung Ching?
Use 12 to 15 g per litre, water at 70-80°C and a short steeping time of 1 minute 30 seconds. Water that is too hot will bring out bitterness. The leaves can be steeped two or three times.
Where does Lung Ching come from?
Lung Ching originates from China, specifically the region surrounding West Lake. Tea has been produced in this terroir for over a millennium, and it is renowned for the exceptional finesse of its green teas.
Where can I buy Lung Ching?
At Thés & Traditions, we offer our organic Superior version, selected for its aromatic balance. You can also explore our Black Golden Snail 1st Grade black tea to broaden your discovery of great Chinese teas.