West Lake — Li Jia Wu Village, Xi Hu District
Pre-Order | Ships Early-Mid April
Fourth-Year Collaboration
This is our fourth year working with our friend Doreen, whose family is based in Li Jia Wu village within the prestigious West Lake (Xi Hu) production area.
Each spring, we secure a small allocation of true Mingqian Long Jing — harvested before the Qing Ming Festival (April 4–5), before the heavier spring rains begin.
Picking Dates and Timeline
Long Jing #43 cultivar: Mid March
Arrival in Amsterdam: Early April
Shipping: Early-Mid April
This is a pre-order. Orders ship once the tea arrives.
Yang will be in China during harvest and will personally carry the tea back to Amsterdam to preserve freshness.
Why Mingqian Matters
Only a narrow window each spring qualifies as true 明前.
Slower early growth produces:
• Smaller, tighter buds
• Higher natural amino acids
• Greater sweetness and clarity
Yields are low during the several days budding and the family rushes to pick them by hands.
What to Expect in the Cup
• Fresh chestnut aroma
• Sweet pea and tender greens
• Silky texture
• Long, umami finish
Detailed tasting notes will be updated once harvest is complete.
