Longjing can be difficult to describe in one word because it does not rely on a single dominant flavour. A balanced cup is usually a conversation between fresh green leaf, soft nuttiness, restrained sweetness and a clean, lingering finish.

Think less “grassy green tea” and more “fresh spring leaf with a quiet toasted edge.”

The First Aroma

Dry Longjing leaves can suggest toasted seed, fresh hay, spring greens or a gentle chestnut-like note. Once hot water is added, the aroma softens and becomes more transparent. Good Longjing should not smell aggressively smoky.

The Taste: Freshness Without Sharpness

The first sip often brings a light vegetal freshness. Then the pan-fired character appears: soft roast, nut-like warmth and a rounder sweetness. The finish can be clean and slightly savoury without feeling heavy.

Our Classic Hangzhou Longjing Green Tea is a useful reference for this traditional flavour architecture.

Texture Matters as Much as Flavour

Longjing is generally valued for smoothness and clarity. The liquor should not feel coarse. When brewed carefully, it has enough body to feel satisfying while remaining light on the palate.

Why Some Longjing Tastes Bitter

Bitterness usually increases when water is too hot, the tea is steeped too long or the leaf-to-water ratio is too aggressive. Start around 75–85°C and shorten the first infusion before assuming the tea itself is harsh.

What Flat Leaves Tell You

The pressed blade-like shape is created during pan-firing and shaping. This appearance is part of the tea’s identity and makes Longjing particularly attractive in glass, where the leaves can be observed as they hydrate and descend.

Longjing vs Biluochun

Biluochun is typically more curled and often more aromatic. Longjing feels more restrained, roasted and architectural; Biluochun often feels more floral and lively. For drinkers choosing between the two, the question is usually whether you want quiet pan-fired depth or more fragrance.

For a contrasting green tea, see our 2026 Bi Luo Chun Green Tea Gift Box.

What to Eat With Longjing

Choose foods that respect the tea’s subtlety: steamed fish, light dumplings, fresh fruit, almond biscuits, sponge cake or lightly seasoned rice dishes. Very spicy or smoky foods can overwhelm its quieter notes.

FAQ

Does Longjing taste like chestnuts?

Chestnut-like or toasted-nut impressions are commonly used to describe the pan-fired character, but the tea should still taste fresh and green.

Is Longjing sweet?

It can have a naturally sweet finish, but it is not sugary.

Does Longjing taste grassy?

It can have fresh vegetal notes, but a balanced cup is usually softer and more rounded than a strongly grassy tea.

Can Longjing be cold brewed?

Yes. Cold brewing often produces a smooth, low-bitterness cup.

How many times can I steep it?

Several infusions are common, with later steeps usually becoming softer.

The Longjing Signature

Longjing’s appeal lies in restraint. It is not designed to overwhelm. The flat leaves, clean liquor, gentle roast and spring freshness create a tea that rewards attention rather than demanding it.