Botanical Dossier
Longjing vs Tai Ping Hou Kui
Longjing
Green Tea · China
Fresh · Nutty · Sweet
Tai Ping Hou Kui
Green Tea · China
Floral · Vegetal · Mineral
| Attribute | Longjing | Tai Ping Hou Kui |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Green Tea | Green Tea |
| Origin | China | China |
| Region | Zhejiang | Anhui (Taiping) |
| Flavor | Fresh · Nutty · Sweet | Floral · Vegetal · Mineral |
| Body | Light | Light |
| Caffeine | Medium (~20–45 mg) | Medium (~25–45 mg) |
| Oxidation | Low | Low |
| Roast | Low | None |
| Brewing temp | 80–85°C | 75–85°C |
| Steep time | 2–3 min | 2–3 min |
| Re-steep | 2–3 times | 2–3 times |
Sensory Dissection
Flavor
Longjing
Longjing is China's best-known green tea, prized for a fresh, nutty character with a gentle sweetness and a clean finish. The leaves are pan-fired in woks, which sets a toasted chestnut aroma that higher grades show alongside a soft, savory depth. The cup is smooth and rounded with almost no bitterness when brewed with cooler water.
Tai Ping Hou Kui
Tai Ping Hou Kui is a showpiece green from Anhui, made of large pressed-flat leaves with a woven grid pattern. The cup is unexpectedly gentle for its size: orchid florals, soft vegetal notes, and a clean mineral finish with very little bitterness. Leaves are traditionally pressed between layers of cloth, which shapes the broad, flat appearance and the distinctive aroma.
Preparation Protocol
Brewing
Longjing
- Water temperature
- 80–85°C
- Leaf to water
- 3g / 250ml
- Steep time
- 2–3 min
- Re-steep
- 2–3 times
Tai Ping Hou Kui
- Water temperature
- 75–85°C
- Leaf to water
- 3g / 250ml
- Steep time
- 2–3 min
- Re-steep
- 2–3 times
Biochemistry
Caffeine
Longjing
Medium caffeine — roughly 20–45 mg per brewed serving
A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.
Tai Ping Hou Kui
Medium caffeine — roughly 25–45 mg per brewed serving
A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.
Craft & Microclimate
Origin
Longjing
China · Zhejiang
Longjing is traditionally associated with the West Lake area of Hangzhou in Zhejiang province.
Tai Ping Hou Kui
China · Anhui (Taiping)
Tai Ping Hou Kui is grown around Taiping county (now Huangshan district) in Anhui.
Curator's Recommendation
Which one might you prefer?
There is no superior tea here — only distinct sensory journeys. Use your flavor memory and current mood to choose.
Choose Longjing if you like:
- Fresh
- Nutty
- Sweet
Choose Tai Ping Hou Kui if you like:
- Floral
- Vegetal
- Mineral
Keep Exploring
Related teas to explore
Similar teas from both sides of this comparison.
