This famous variety of green tea is produced mostly by hand and has been renowned for its high quality, earning the China Famous Tea title.
It is said that while visiting West Lake Emperor Qianlong took some time to watch the tea harvest, and decided that he would try it himself. While picking tea he received a message that his mother, the Empress Dowager, was ill and wished his immediate return to Beijing. He shoved the leaves he had picked into his sleeve and immediately left for Beijing.
Upon his return he immediately went to visit his mother. She noticed the smell of the leaves coming from his sleeves and he immediately had it brewed for her. It is said that the shape of Longjing Tea was designed to mimic the appearance of the flattened leaves that the emperor brewed for his mother.
Bring filtered or spring water to 170°F. Add 1 tsp of tea leaves to an 8oz cup. Pour boiling water over the tea leaves and let steep 2 minutes.