龙井 Lóngjǐng Dragon Well

The finest Dragon Well we carry — pre-Qingming (明前) harvest, picked before April 5th when only the youngest, most tender buds emerge from the protected West Lake gardens of Hangzhou. Ming Qian timing makes all the difference: cooler early-spring temperatures slow leaf growth and concentrate sweetness, amino acids and floral character into each small bud. The result is unmistakable: a buttery, silky mouthfeel quite unlike any other green tea — pronounced floral-honey notes, a bright golden-green liquor that shimmers in the cup, and a long, naturally sweet aftertaste that lingers long after each sip. The version Chinese tea lovers reserve for special occasions and the most popular choice for gifting. Pre-Qingming Longjing is harvested in a window of just a few weeks; once the season ends, the grade cannot be replicated until the following spring. This harvest is from the 2024 spring flush, sourced directly from West Lake gardens. Worldwide delivery.