Longjing vs Mengding Ganlu

Longjing

Longjing is China's best-known green tea, prized for a fresh, nutty character with a gentle sweetness and a clean finish. The leaves are pan-fired in woks, which sets a toasted chestnut aroma that higher grades show alongside a soft, savory depth. The cup is smooth and rounded with almost no bitterness when brewed with cooler water.

Mengding Ganlu

Mengding Ganlu, 'sweet dew of Mount Meng,' is one of China's oldest tribute teas, from Sichuan. The tender bud-and-leaf sets brew a cup that is softly sweet and fresh, with a silky vegetal body and a lingering floral hint. It is gently pan-fired, keeping a bright green color and a clean finish. The tea is named for the morning dew that settles on the mountain gardens.

Longjing

Water temperature

80–85°C

Leaf to water

3g / 250ml

Steep time

2–3 min

Re-steep

2–3 times

Mengding Ganlu

Water temperature

75–85°C

Leaf to water

3g / 250ml

Steep time

2–3 min

Re-steep

2–3 times

Longjing

Medium caffeine — roughly 20–45 mg per brewed serving

A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.

Mengding Ganlu

Medium caffeine — roughly 20–40 mg per brewed serving

A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.

Longjing

China · Zhejiang

Longjing is traditionally associated with the West Lake area of Hangzhou in Zhejiang province.

Mengding Ganlu

China · Sichuan (Ya'an)

Mengding Ganlu grows on Mount Mengding near Ya'an in Sichuan, a tea-producing area since Han times.