A Guide to Famous Chinese Green Teas: Taste, Appearance, and Quality
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Time to read 6 min
Introduction
Green tea is one of China's most prominent and oldest tea categories. As a non-fermented tea, it retains a vibrant green color, a refreshing and mellow taste, and is packed with antioxidants known for their anti-aging and anti-cancer properties.
This article introduces some of the finest Chinese green teas, including West Lake Longjing (Xihu Longjing), Biluochun, Liu’an Guapian, Huangshan Maofeng, and Anji Baicha. These teas are among China’s most renowned, with some dating back to the Tang Dynasty’s Tea Classic (Cha Jing) by Lu Yu.
1. West Lake Longjing (Xihu Longjing) – The Queen of Chinese Green Tea
West Lake Longjing, one of China's top ten famous teas, is a pan-fired green tea primarily produced in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province , around areas such as Shifeng, Longjing, Wuyun Mountain, and Tiger Run (Hupao) . Among them, Shifeng Longjing is regarded as the best quality.
Distinct Features
Green Color – Bright, tender green appearance.
Fragrant Aroma – A fresh, sweet chestnut-like fragrance.
Sweet and Mellow Taste – A delicate balance of umami and sweetness.
Beautiful Shape – Flat, smooth, and straight leaves.
Harvesting and Grading
Pre-Qingming Longjing (Mingqian Longjing) – Picked before the Qingming Festival (early April) , considered the rarest and most premium grade , often referred to as "Daughter’s Red."
Pre-Grain Rain Longjing (Yuqian Longjing) – Harvested before Grain Rain (mid-April) , known as a high-quality but slightly more affordable option.
A high-quality Longjing will display "one bud, one leaf" (Yi Qi Yi Qiang) , with the tea buds standing upright in water when brewed.
Quality Indicators
Appearance: Flat, smooth, straight leaves, tender green and glossy. Higher grades have smaller, delicate leaves, while lower grades may be larger and darker.
Leaf Bottom: Tender, uniform buds and leaves. When brewed, the tea leaves expand fully into a plump shape.
Tea Liquor: Spring Longjing has a clear, light yellow-green color, a refreshing chestnut aroma, and a smooth, sweet aftertaste. Lower-quality summer and autumn Longjing have a darker yellow hue and may taste slightly bitter.
2. Biluochun – The Spring Spiral Chinese Green Tea
Biluochun, also known as "Dongting Biluochun," originates from Dongting Mountain, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. It is another top ten famous tea of China and is renowned for its curly shape, fresh floral aroma, and mellow taste.
Unique Characteristics
Curled Shape – The leaves resemble tight spirals (hence the name “Biluochun,” meaning "Spring Snail").
Silver-Green Color – Covered with fine white fuzz, giving it a delicate, high-quality appearance.
Floral and Fruity Aroma – Due to the intercropping of tea trees and fruit trees, Biluochun naturally absorbs floral and fruity scents.
Quality Indicators
Appearance: One bud, one leaf, tightly curled into spirals, covered in fine white hairs. Fake or lower-quality Biluochun may appear yellowish or unevenly curled.
Leaf Bottom: Tender, uniform, and soft, with a consistent shape and color.
Tea Liquor: Superior Biluochun has a slightly yellowish liquor, while lower-grade versions may appear too green. It carries a refreshing floral and fruity aroma, a smooth texture, and a sweet aftertaste.
3. Liu’an Guapian – The Unique Sunflower-Seed Shaped Chinese Green Tea
Liu’an Guapian, also known as Liu’an Melon Seed Tea, is a special green tea from Lu’an, Anhui Province, and is classified as a Chinese intangible cultural heritage tea.
Unlike other green teas, Liu’an Guapian is made entirely of single tea leaves, without buds or stems, giving it a distinct shape resembling sunflower seeds.
Unique Characteristics
Unique Processing Method – Sun-dried, then repeatedly pan-roasted using traditional techniques.
Flat, Even Leaves – Unlike most green teas, Liu’an Guapian does not contain buds or stems.
Quality Indicators
Appearance: Flat, oval-shaped leaves, deep green in color with a slight white sheen.
Leaf Bottom: Soft, tender yellow-green leaves with an even shape.
Tea Liquor: Light jade-green in early harvests; later harvests produce darker green infusions. Nutty, floral, and slightly toasty aroma with a refreshing, smooth finish.
4. Huangshan Maofeng – The High Mountain Chinese Green Tea
Huangshan Maofeng, a semi-roasted, semi-pan-fired green tea, is produced in Huangshan, Anhui Province. This tea is highly prized for its delicate aroma and sweet, lingering taste.
Unique Characteristics
Tender Tea Buds – Covered in fine white hairs, giving the tea a soft appearance.
Elegant Shape – Slender, pointed leaves with a bright green hue.
High-Mountain Floral Fragrance – Sweet and delicate, with a slight nutty undertone.
Quality Indicators
Appearance: Slender, needle-like leaves with a bright green hue.
Leaf Bottom: Soft, tender leaves with a consistent shape and thickness.
Tea Liquor: Light yellow-green color with a fresh, floral fragrance and a sweet, smooth aftertaste.
5. Anji Baicha – The Rare White-Leaf Chinese Green Tea
Anji Baicha is a green tea, not a white tea, despite its name. It is produced in Anji County, Zhejiang Province, using a rare tea cultivar that turns white during early spring due to a unique genetic mutation.
Unique Characteristics
White Tea Buds – Young leaves appear pale white , but turn light green after processing .
Delicate Taste – Naturally sweet, fresh, and smooth , with a high amino acid content .
Quality Indicators
Appearance : Slender, slightly flattened leaves , light green with a golden sheen .
Leaf Bottom : Transparent, soft, and tender, with clearly visible leaf veins .
Tea Liquor : Bright, clear, and golden-green , with an elegant sweetness and lingering freshness .
Conclusion
China’s famous green teas each have unique flavors, aromas, and textures. Whether you enjoy the nutty sweetness of Longjing, the floral aroma of Biluochun, or the rich, smooth taste of Liu’an Guapian, there is a perfect green tea for every preference.
By understanding these teas’ appearance, brewing methods, and quality indicators, you can fully appreciate their distinctive flavors and select the best green tea for your taste.
FAQs
What Does Green Tea Taste Like?
Green tea has a fresh, vegetal, slightly sweet, and sometimes nutty or floral flavor. The taste varies depending on the type of green tea and how it is processed. For example:
- Longjing (Dragon Well) has a sweet, chestnut-like flavor.
- Biluochun has a floral and fruity aroma.
- Sencha (a Japanese green tea) has a grassy, umami-rich taste.
If brewed incorrectly, green tea can become bitter due to over-steeping or using water that is too hot.
What Are the Health Benefits of Green Tea?
Green tea is rich in antioxidants, catechins, and polyphenols, which contribute to several health benefits:
- Boosts metabolism and aids in weight loss.
- Improves brain function and may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
- Supports heart health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.
- Enhances skin health and slows aging due to its high antioxidant content.
- Strengthens the immune system and fights inflammation.
Does Green Tea Contain Caffeine?
Yes, green tea contains caffeine, but less than coffee and black tea. On average, a cup of green tea has 30-50 mg of caffeine, compared to 95-200 mg in coffee.
If you are sensitive to caffeine, opt for low-caffeine green teas such as:
- Bancha (a Japanese green tea with lower caffeine levels)
- Aged green tea (caffeine content decreases over time)
- Decaffeinated green tea
How Should I Brew Green Tea for the Best Taste?
To avoid bitterness and enhance flavor, follow these brewing tips:
- Water Temperature: 160-185°F (70-85°C) – avoid boiling water.
- Steeping Time: 1-3 minutes – over-steeping can cause bitterness.
- Tea-to-Water Ratio: 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf tea per 8 oz (240 ml) of water.
For delicate teas like Longjing or Gyokuro, use lower temperatures (around 160°F or 70°C).
Can Green Tea Help with Weight Loss?
Yes, green tea is often linked to weight loss due to its ability to:
- Increase fat burning by boosting metabolism.
- Improve digestion and regulate blood sugar levels.
- Reduce appetite when consumed before meals.
Green tea is not a miracle weight-loss solution, but when combined with a healthy diet and exercise, it can be beneficial.
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