Longjing or “Dragon Well” tea is the most famous of all the teas in China. It is grown and harvested in the Longjing mountain area of Hangzhou, southwest of West Lake. There is a natural barrier of three encircling mountains that produces a unique microclimate which coats the tea-growing region with layers of cloud and mist for long periods of time.
Residents of this area during the Three Kingdoms Period (221-280) believed that a dragon lived in the village well and controlled the rainfall – hence the name.
Whether you choose to believe this tale or not, one thing is certain – this is one magnificent tea with a lengthy history of purported health benefits. I typically bring a thermos of it out to our swims. So if you want to give it a try, just let me know.