What is “Mingqian"明前?

When it comes to premium green tea, few names carry as much weight as Longjing. But among all its variations, one stands out above the rest: Mingqian Longjing (明前龙井）— Dragon Well tea picked before the Qingming Festival.

But why? Why does this particular batch of tea command such admiration and a much higher price tag? 

Picked Before Qingming: Limited and Seasonal

Mingqian Longjing (AKA Pre-Ming Long Jing or Dragonwell) refers to Long Jing Tea harvested before the Qingming Festival, according to the 24 Chinese Solar Terms, which usually falls in early April / early spring.

During this season, the weather is still cool, rainfall is low, and tea trees grow very slowly. This slow growth allows the buds to develop all the concentrated nutrients it has absorbed throughout the seasons of autumn, winter and early spring.

Thanks to its early harvest, Mingqian Longjing is rich in amino acids (which give the tea its umami sweetness) and tea polyphenols (responsible for freshness and antioxidants). These elements shape the tea’s flavour profile, giving it richness and depth. 

Because the buds are limited and grow slowly, the harvest is small and precious There’s an old saying in Chinese:  “Mingqian tea is worth its weight in gold.” (明前茶，贵如金) It's more than tea — it is the essence of spring.

Because of this, the yield is very limited. Only a small amount can be harvested in this short window, making it truly seasonal and exclusive.

Fresh, Tender, and Full of Life

The tea leaves of Mingqian Longjing are small, flat, and green with a delicate appearance. Once brewed, the liquor is lustrous with a soft emerald hue.

The aroma? Gentle yet bright — often described as having a light roasted bean fragrant, chestnut notes and sometimes floral.

On the palate, it offers a taste that is fresh, mellow, slightly sweet, and very smooth. It leaves a refreshing finish with a sweetness that lingers long after the first sip.

Treat yourself to the very first sip of spring!