JQ Dragon Well (Longjing) Green Tea Loose Leaf — 2026 Pre-Qingming Hangzhou Harvest, Iron-Wok Roasted

JQ Dragon Well Longjing is a 2026 pre-Qingming loose-leaf green tea from Hangzhou, hand-processed by traditional iron-wok roasting to deliver a clean, lightly sweet cup.

Harvested in late March 2026 before the Qingming festival, this Mingqian (pre-Qingming) Longjing showcases early spring leaves picked at their most tender. Cultivated in Hangzhou’s classic tea gardens and finished with the wok-roasting technique, the leaves stay whole and flat, producing a clear pale-yellow liquor with gentle vegetal notes and smooth, approachable flavor. Each sealed bag is independently tested and packaged to preserve freshness.

How does this Longjing taste and smell?

The cup is crisp and mild rather than sharp or overly grassy. Expect light vegetal aromas, subtle chestnut-like sweetness, and a soft, lingering finish that’s easy to sip throughout the day.

• Flavor profile: mild vegetal notes with a gentle natural sweetness
• Aroma: clean, fresh spring fragrance without heavy astringency
• Liquor color: pale yellow-green and clear
• Finish: smooth and balanced, suitable for multiple infusions

What makes the 2026 pre-Qingming harvest special?

Pre-Qingming (Mingqian) leaves are picked before the traditional Qingming festival, when shoots are at their most tender. Early-spring plucks capture concentrated aroma and delicate flavors that many tea drinkers prize for daily enjoyment.

• Timing: late March 2026 harvest for tender early-spring shoots
• Quality: younger leaves with refined, subtle character
• Consistency: balanced, everyday-drinkable profile rather than an overly intense artisan batch
• Value: approachable option for Mingqian-style Longjing at practical quantities

How should I brew and reuse the leaves?

Use water just below boiling (about 75–85°C / 170–185°F) to avoid burning the leaves. Start with roughly 2–3 grams of leaf per 150–200 ml of water and steep for 1–2 minutes for the first infusion; increase steep time slightly for subsequent brews.

• Recommended ratio: 2–3 g tea per 150–200 ml water
• Water temperature: 75–85°C (170–185°F) to preserve delicate flavors
• Infusions: brew leaves 2–3 times, adjusting steep time by 30–60 seconds per infusion
• Method: gaiwan, glass pot, or small teapot all work well to watch leaf unfurl

How is the tea processed and tested?

Leaves are shaped into the classic flat Longjing form with iron-wok roasting—a time-honored technique that develops aroma and texture without additives. Each bag is sealed promptly after processing and has undergone independent safety testing by AGROLAB GROUP to meet European standards.

• Processing: traditional iron-wok roast, whole flat-leaf Longjing style
• Leaf condition: intact whole leaves for multiple infusions
• Safety: independently tested (AGROLAB GROUP report referenced)
• Packaging: sealed after processing to lock in freshness

Who is this tea for? JQ Dragon Well Longjing is ideal for daily green tea drinkers who want an authentic Mingqian experience without the intensity of competition-grade singles. It’s suitable for people new to Chinese green tea as well as regular Longjing fans who appreciate a consistent, easy-to-brew cup. Also a thoughtful gift for colleagues or friends who enjoy traditional loose-leaf teas and simple brewing rituals.