06May
Greetings, dear tea enthusiasts and loyal readers of TEAritoria! Today, we're diving into an exciting comparison between the 2022 and 2023 spring harvests of Long Jing tea. As a dedicated tea connoisseur, I, Kaspars Ulānovs, am thrilled to share my insights and observations on the subtle yet remarkable differences between these two harvests.
Long Jing, also known as Dragon Well, is a highly prized Chinese green tea that originates from the West Lake region in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. Famed for its unique flat-leaf appearance, vibrant green color, and delightful taste, Long Jing tea has been loved by tea aficionados worldwide for centuries.
Now, let's embark on a flavorful journey as we compare the Long Jing teas from the spring harvests of 2022 and 2023.
Appearance Both harvests feature the characteristic flat, sword-shaped leaves that Long Jing is known for. However, the 2023 spring harvest presents a slightly brighter and more vibrant green hue. This may be attributed to optimal growing conditions and better tea plant management practices in the 2023 season.
Aroma The 2022 Long Jing tea boasts a delightful, sweet aroma with a hint of chestnut and floral undertones. In contrast, the 2023 harvest offers a more complex fragrance, with additional grassy and umami notes that create an even more enticing scent.
Taste While the 2022 Long Jing tea offers a delicious, well-rounded flavor profile with a pleasant nutty taste and a hint of sweetness, the 2023 harvest seems to have evolved further. The 2023 Long Jing tea's taste is more nuanced, with layers of vegetal, umami, and floral notes that create a richer and more satisfying experience.
Mouthful harvests provide a smooth and velvety mouthfeel, but the 2023 Long Jing tea has a slightly more pronounced creaminess. This can be attributed to the higher concentration of amino acids in the leaves due to the favorable weather conditions during the 2023 growing season.
Aftertaste The 2022 Long Jing tea has a delightful lingering aftertaste, with a subtle sweetness that leaves you craving more. The 2023 harvest, however, offers a more refined and longer-lasting aftertaste, with a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of astringency that leaves your palate refreshed and invigorated.
In conclusion, while both the 2022 and 2023 spring harvests of Long Jing tea are exquisite, the 2023 harvest offers a slightly more complex and refined experience. The differences may be subtle, but they are definitely worth exploring for any devoted tea lover.
As always, I encourage you to enjoy your tea journey and cherish the unique qualities that each harvest brings. Keep brewing, and may your tea adventures be ever so delightful!
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