Meijiawu Lung Ching (Harney & Sons)

Lunch Ching, also known as Dragonwell is a deeply nuanced green tea. This specific Lung Ching is picked from a plantation up the hill from the “Dragon’s Well” from which this tea draws it’s name.

When I first started experimenting with Chinese green teas, instead of the Japanese greens which my palate had been weaned on, I was flabbergasted. Why would I want a tea which brews so “weak”? Instead, I have come to recognize that Chinese green teas have a lighter palate presence, but no less personality.

Visually, these large, narrow, flat-pressed leaves are a beautiful light green when dry, which converts to a darker almost grassy green when brewed.

The aroma of these leaves is light and sweet. Like fresh book toy and squash I think. Easy in the nose. The brewed aroma is more readily identifiable with notes of butter with the vegetal sweetness. Harney suggests notes of walnut which I didn’t capture across my cupping sessions.

The flavor is smooth, with just the slightest astringency drying the edges of my tongue, making my palate long for more. I was able to get three steeps with consistent quality from the leaves used.

The nature of this Meijiawu Lung Ching is not so different from most Chinese green teas. The brew is light, and so has a judicious touch on the palate. I wouldn’t describe it as weak, as much as not brash.

If you enjoy floral teas, Chinese green teas or fruit teas give this one a try. The price is worth it for those seeking quality.

If you prefer your teas to have some punch, this soft spoken brew is not for you.