What are the best Chinese green teas?

The most famous Chinese green teas include Longjing (Dragon Well) from Hangzhou, Biluochun from Jiangsu, Taiping Houkui from Anhui, Liu An Gua Pian from Anhui, and Huangshan Maofeng. Each has unique flavor profiles ranging from nutty to floral.

How to brew Chinese green tea?

Use water at 75-85°C (not boiling — too hot makes it bitter). Steep for 1-2 minutes for the first infusion. Use about 3g per 150ml. Chinese green teas can be steeped 3-5 times. Pour water down the side, not directly onto leaves.

What does Dragon Well (Longjing) tea taste like?

Longjing has a smooth, nutty, slightly sweet flavor with chestnut-like notes and a refreshing aftertaste. It has a flat, sword-shaped leaf and a beautiful pale green liquor. Higher grades from the Xihu (West Lake) area are the most prized.

Chinese Green Tea - Tealibere

Buying guide

How to choose Chinese green tea

Choose Chinese green tea by harvest freshness, leaf grade, aroma, and how forgiving it is in hot water. Look for clean chestnut, grassy, floral, or umami notes rather than a generic green tea label.