About Us

Our Story: Bringing Authentic Longjing Tea to the World

At Our Shop we are passionate about sharing the exquisite taste and rich cultural heritage of authentic Longjing tea with tea enthusiasts around the globe. As direct importers from the lush tea fields surrounding West Lake in Hangzhou, China, we bring you premium Dragon Well leaves that capture the pure, refreshing spirit of their origin.

 

The Legacy of Longjing Tea

Longjing tea, also known as Dragon Well tea, is one of China's most revered and storied teas. Its history dates back over a millennium, with the earliest recordings from the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE). However, it was during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) that Longjing tea truly rose to prominence.Legend has it that Emperor Qianlong, while visiting the West Lake region, was so enamored with Longjing tea that he conferred imperial status on 18 tea bushes near the Hu Gong Temple. This imperial endorsement elevated Longjing to the status of "Gong Cha" or imperial tea, cementing its reputation as one of China's finest green teas.

The Perfect Terroir: West Lake's Unique Environment

The exceptional quality of Longjing tea is intrinsically linked to its place of origin. The West Lake region in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, provides the ideal terroir for cultivating this prestigious tea. The area is characterized by:
  • A mild, temperate climate
  • Frequent rainfall and misty conditions
  • Rich, nutrient-dense soil
  • Optimal altitude in the surrounding mountains
These factors combine to create the perfect environment for tea cultivation, resulting in leaves with a distinctive flavor profile and high nutritional value. The misty climate, in particular, plays a crucial role in preserving high levels of theanine in the tea leaves, contributing to Longjing's renowned sweet, fresh taste.

Our Commitment to Authenticity and Quality

As direct importers, we have established strong relationships with local tea farmers in the West Lake region. This allows us to:
  1. Ensure Authenticity: We source our tea exclusively from the traditional Longjing-producing areas, including the famous villages surrounding West Lake.
  2. Maintain Quality: By working directly with farmers, we can oversee the entire production process, from cultivation to processing, ensuring that only the highest quality leaves make it into our products.
  3. Support Traditional Practices: We prioritize teas that are hand-picked and pan-fired using traditional methods, preserving the artisanal craftsmanship that has defined Longjing tea for centuries.
  4. Offer Seasonal Freshness: We import our teas seasonally, focusing on the prized spring harvest, to provide our customers with the freshest Longjing tea possible.

The Art of Longjing Tea Production

The production of authentic Longjing tea is a meticulous process that requires skill, experience, and dedication. Here's a glimpse into the journey from leaf to cup:
  1. Careful Cultivation: Tea plants are nurtured throughout the year, with special attention paid to environmental factors that influence leaf quality.
  2. Precise Harvesting: The finest Longjing is harvested in early spring, typically before the Qingming Festival (around April 5th). Only the tender buds and young leaves are picked by hand.
  3. Traditional Processing: Within hours of picking, the leaves are pan-fired in large woks. This process, known as "killing the green," halts oxidation and preserves the tea's fresh, green character.
  4. Shaping and Drying: Skilled tea masters press and shape the leaves by hand during the firing process, creating Longjing's signature flat, sword-like appearance.
  5. Grading and Sorting: The processed tea is carefully graded based on leaf appearance, aroma, and taste, with the highest grades reserved for the most discerning tea connoisseurs.

The Longjing Tea Experience

When you brew a cup of our Longjing tea, you're not just tasting a beverage – you're experiencing centuries of tradition and craftsmanship. Here's what makes Longjing tea special:
  • Appearance: Flat, smooth leaves with a distinctive sword-like shape and vibrant green color.
  • Aroma: A fresh, gentle fragrance reminiscent of chestnuts and spring vegetation.
  • Flavor: A smooth, mellow taste with sweet, nutty notes and a refreshing finish.
  • Mouthfeel: Light and clean, with a subtle buttery texture.

Our Commitment to Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing

At [Your Company Name], we believe in responsible business practices that benefit both our customers and our partners in China. Our commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing includes:
  • Supporting small-scale, family-owned tea farms
  • Promoting organic and environmentally friendly cultivation methods
  • Ensuring fair compensation for tea farmers and workers
  • Minimizing our carbon footprint through efficient shipping and packaging practices

Education and Appreciation

We believe that understanding enhances appreciation. That's why we're committed to educating our customers about the rich history, cultural significance, and proper preparation of Longjing tea. Through our website, blog, and social media channels, we share:
  • Detailed information about tea origins and production methods
  • Brewing tips and techniques
  • Cultural insights and historical anecdotes
  • Tasting notes and flavor profiles

Our Promise to You

When you choose Our Source for your Longjing tea, you're choosing:
  1. Authenticity: Genuine West Lake Longjing tea, sourced directly from its place of origin.
  2. Quality: Premium leaves, carefully selected and processed to exacting standards.
  3. Freshness: Seasonally imported teas that capture the essence of each harvest.
  4. Expertise: Guidance and support from a team passionate about Chinese tea culture.
  5. Transparency: Clear information about tea origins, grades, and production methods.

Join Us on a Journey of Tea Discovery

Whether you're a longtime Longjing enthusiast or new to the world of fine Chinese teas, we invite you to explore our selection of authentic Dragon Well teas. Each cup is an opportunity to connect with centuries of tradition, experience the unique terroir of West Lake, and savor one of China's most beloved teas.At Our Shop, we're more than just tea merchants – we're your partners in discovering the exquisite world of Longjing tea. From the misty hills of Hangzhou to your teacup, we bring you a taste of tradition, one leaf at a time.Experience the difference that direct sourcing, commitment to quality, and passion for tea can make. Discover the true essence of Longjing with Us!