How to Buy Good Green Tea (Without Overspending)
Green tea is the most popular tea in China, but quality varies enormously. The good news: you do not need to spend a fortune to drink well — you need to know what to look for.
Freshness First
Green tea is best within the same year it is picked, especially spring tea (明前/雨前). Buy from sellers who state the harvest date. Old or poorly stored green tea loses its aroma and turns dull.
Look at the Leaf
Good green tea has:
- Even, intact leaves or buds — not broken dust
- A lively green color — yellowing means age or poor storage
- A clean, grassy or nutty aroma — no mustiness
Classic Beginner-Friendly Varieties
- Longjing (Dragon Well, 龙井): flat, pan-fired, sweet and chestnut-like. The most famous Chinese green.
- Biluochun (碧螺春): curly, tender, floral and fruity.
- Gunpowder (珠茶): rolled pellets, robust, great with food and very affordable.
Buy Loose, Not Bags
Whole-leaf loose tea almost always tastes better than dust-filled tea bags. A 50–100 g bag is plenty to start.
Storage
Keep green tea sealed, away from light, heat, and odors — the fridge (in an airtight container) is ideal for long-term freshness.
Start with one well-known variety from a trusted shop, learn its taste, then branch out. Taste memory is your best buying guide.
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