Longjing tea is famous for its four unique characteristics: "vibrant color, rich aroma, sweet taste, and beautiful shape." Therefore, to enjoy good Longjing, one must learn how to select it.

In the process of selecting Longjing tea, "color" is the most critical factor. Generally, the greener and more lustrous the Longjing tea, the stronger its aroma and the sweeter its taste. Thus, when choosing Longjing, the first step is to examine its appearance, which in professional terms is called "dry observation." High-grade Longjing tea has a flat, straight, and sharp shape, uniform size, and a tender, green, glossy color. For individual buds and leaves, the requirement is that the bud is longer than the leaf or parallel to it, without white fuzz.

Secondly, selecting Longjing also involves observing its condition after brewing, known as "wet observation." Good Longjing tea should have a clear, light green liquor and evenly shaped leaves that float like flowers at the bottom of the cup. Additionally, the taste of the tea leaves is an important standard for distinguishing the quality of the tea. Good Longjing tea has a fresh and elegant fragrance, a mellow and sweet taste, and no bitterness or astringency.

Longjing tea is typically brewed in a glass cup with water at around 85°C. The ratio of tea to water should be appropriate, usually 1:50 (1 gram of tea leaves to 50 milliliters of water). When brewing, first pour one-third of the water into the cup to steep the tea. Once the tea emits a light fragrance, add water along the side of the cup until it is 70-80% full. This method ensures the tea is well-balanced in strength, fresh and mellow in taste, and the leaves remain tender green.

Avoid using boiling water to brew Longjing tea, as it can destroy the chlorophyll, turning the tea yellow. The tea polyphenols and other nutrients in the leaves may also oxidize at high temperatures, causing the tea liquor to turn yellow. Additionally, many aromatic compounds can evaporate at high temperatures, reducing the tea's fragrance.

Furthermore, when drinking Longjing tea, do not wait until the water is completely consumed before refilling. When two-thirds of the first cup has been drunk, water should be added for the second cup. This helps maintain a consistent concentration of the tea liquor.