C. sinensis var. unknown; Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, 200m?; Spring, 2019, one bud and leaf, green tea process. Lóng Jǐng Lǜ Chá, 龙井绿茶, Dragon Well Green Tea. #TodaysTea, #今天的茶, #JīnTiāndeChá, #Tea, #茶, #Chá.

The dried leaves are a yellowy-green colour and disctly flat, with an aromatic, fragrant, biscuit, and caramel aroma, with a hint of chocolate. The wet leaves are similarly coloured, spongy and have a strong, vegetal scent, with hints of canned peas, broccoli, and a suggestion of dried raw egg.

3g of dried leaf was infused in 150ml of water for 15 sec@80-85 deg. C. The brewed tea liquor was pale yellow with a faint green tinge in colour, with an aroma that was soft, elusive… almost non-existent. in the mouth it presents creamy, moderately thick, with a mild peppery tingle, as well as a lingering sweetness, & astringency. The taste had subtle vegetal hints, and was mildly floral with hints of orchid and osmanthus.

This is one of those frustrating “Gift” teas that comes from locally targeted distribution. The packaging has no information whatsoever, and what little there is was gleaned from back and forth inquiries with the person who gifted the tea. It is a perfect example of the divide between science, and philosophy, between introspection and reflection, between getting to know the tea you’re drinking and simple, thought-free, hedonistic gratification.