Bian Xing Cha (incl. Long Jing)

Bian Xing Cha, literally "flat form tea", are green teas with pressed, flat leaves. Usually the bud and two leaves are plucked for this tea. The leaves' typical flat form comes from pressing the tea leaves against the hot wok's wall by hand, or by machine. For the most part, Bian Xing Cha are being sold as Long Jing. Genuine Long Jing come from the region around the Xi Hu (West-lake), in the west of Hangzhou (Zhejiang province) and are called Xi Hu Long Jing. Great quality teas come from the three villages Wengjiashan, Longjing and Meijiawu and are called Long Jing Shi Feng, "Dragon well from the lion's summit". The Long Jing type of tea is also being produced in other regions of China and unfortunately sold as original Long Jing. Other well known Bian Xing Cha are the simpler Ding Gu Da Fang, and the excellent Tai Ping Hou Kui. Bian Xing Cha are light and sweet with a nutty aroma and the very clear and typical slightly bitter notes of green tea.