Dragonwell, also known as Longjing, is arguably one of the most famous green teas in the world. It traces back to the Tang Dynasty and is often one of the first teas that people truly fall in love with. The good news is that if you enjoy that tea, there are lots of similar teas out there if you feel like branching out. Here are 5 teas to try if you like Dragonwell.
Yun Wu
Yun Wu, or Clouds and Mist, is a green tea that hails from Anhui and Jiangxi Province. The taste is a bit more robust than Dragonwell, but it offers similar crisp vegetal notes. It is often less expensive than Dragonwell, making it a great choice for those seeking a more budget-friendly option. You might have already had this tea before without realizing it. Teavana labeled it as ‘Emperor’s Clouds & Mist’ in their stores.
Anji Bai Cha
Anji Bai Cha is produced in Zhejiang Province using a special cultivar that is known for its ghostly pale leaves. The ‘Bai Cha’ part of the name means white tea, but refers to the color of the leaves rather than the category of tea it is. The taste is buttery soft with subtle floral and citrus notes. It is vegetal yet delicate and naturally sweet. Pan-firing gives it a subtle nutty taste like Dragonwell. I like to brew this tea in a glass gaiwan to show off those beautiful leaves.
Huang Shan Mao Feng
Huang Shan Mao Feng is named after the mountain range in Anhui Province where it is produced. The first thing that comes to mind when I think of this tea is the taste of fresh sugar snap peas. It is vegetal and sweet with delicate floral notes. Like most Chinese green teas, it is roasted during processing, so you’ll also find lovely aromas of chestnuts. I enjoy this tea grandpa style because of its mellow nature. It also makes a very refreshing cold brew.
Lu An Gua Pian
Lu An Gua Pian is an unusual green tea because it is made without any stems or buds. Larger leaves are rolled into a distinctive, elongated shape. It has a rich, almost brothy flavor that is vegetal without being grassy. There is a savory umami quality to it that reminds me very much of gyokuro. There is just a hint of smoke from charcoal firing. It is one of the least delicate green teas that you will come across, making it a good candidate for just about any brewing method.
Tai Ping HOU kUI
Last but not least on the list of teas to try if you like Dragonwell is Tai Ping Hou Kui, a tea whose leaves you have to see to believe. It is made using Shi Da Cha, also known as Persimmon Big Leaf, a variety with particularly large leaves. The leaves are individually laid between two metal screens and then pressed, flattening them to complete the final look. The taste is delicate and sweet with aromas of bamboo and orchid. I’ve also picked up very mild fruity notes.
I hope that this post helped you to find some new teas to try. Are there any other teas that you think taste like dragonwell? Let me know in the comments below!
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