China, the birthplace of tea, boasts a remarkable diversity of green tea varieties, each with its own unique flavor profile and centuries-old tradition. From the sweet and nutty notes of Dragon Well (Longjing) to the floral aromas of Huangshan Maofeng, Chinese green teas are celebrated for their depth, complexity, and regional distinctions. With a rich history of cultivation and craftsmanship, these teas reflect the country’s deep cultural connection to tea drinking. This guide explores the most renowned Chinese green tea varieties, highlighting their unique qualities, processing methods, and the regions that produce them.
Longjing (Dragon Well):
• Flavor Profile: Longjing, also known as Dragon Well tea, is one of the most famous Chinese green teas. It has a sweet, chestnut-like flavor with a smooth finish and a hint of floral aroma.
• Appearance: The leaves are flat and smooth, with a vibrant green color. The tea produces a yellow-green liquor.
• Harvest: The best Longjing tea comes from early spring harvests in the Hangzhou region.
Bi Luo Chun (Green Snail Spring):
• Flavor Profile: Bi Luo Chun is known for its fruity and floral aroma, with a sweet, slightly grassy taste. It’s a delicate tea with a light body.
• Appearance: The leaves are tightly rolled into small spirals, resembling snail shells, hence the name. The tea brews to a pale green color.
• Harvest: This tea is harvested in early spring in the Jiangsu province.
Mao Feng:
• Flavor Profile: Mao Feng is a high-quality green tea with a fresh, floral aroma and a slightly sweet, mellow taste. It’s known for its complex and refined flavor.
• Appearance: The leaves are long, pointed, and covered in fine white hairs. The tea brews to a light green-yellow color.
• Harvest: Mao Feng is typically harvested in the early spring in the Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) region.
Gunpowder Tea:
• Flavor Profile: Gunpowder tea has a strong, slightly smoky flavor with a bold, robust body. It’s named for its appearance, as the leaves are rolled into small pellets that resemble gunpowder grains.
• Appearance: The rolled leaves are dark green and produce a golden-yellow brew.
• Usage: Gunpowder tea is often used in Moroccan mint tea, where it’s blended with fresh mint and sugar.
Liu’an Guapian:
• Flavor Profile: Liu’an Guapian is a unique Chinese green tea with a sweet, vegetal flavor and a hint of nuttiness. It’s known for its refreshing and smooth taste.
• Appearance: The leaves are flat and oval, with a bright green color. The tea brews to a clear, greenish-yellow liquor.
• Harvest: This tea is harvested later in the spring, after the young buds have matured.
