With this spring’s Shifeng Longjing teas behind us, we picked up a limited amount of Pre-rain grade Longjing from both #43 varietal and quntizhong bushes. The earlier/faster sprouting and higher yielding #43 varietal has an overall more delicate and lighter taste, but there is a consistent and distinct fried-bean taste that carries through, as well as a light floral note. The quntizhong tea has a comparatively deeper and more complex flavour, developing a more sugary fragrance in subsequent infusions. Many would call this the “original taste” of Longjing. These teas were picked after the Qingming festival, but before spring rains. This later picking offers a good balance of affordability and quality compared to the pre-ming pickings. Each purchase is for 25g, making this more accessible than their 100g pre-order counterparts. This is also an excellent opportunity to compare the difference between the quntizhong (heirloom, marked with a gold sticker) and newer #43 varietals.
