# Longjing (Camellia sinensis) **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/longjing **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-24 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Tea Cultivars **Also Known As:** Camellia sinensis, Dragon Well tea, Xi Hu Longjing, West Lake Dragon Well, Ming Qian Longjing, Hangzhou green tea, 龙井茶 ## Overview Longjing tea is a premium green tea cultivar (Camellia sinensis) from China's Zhejiang province known for its high theanine content and delicate flavor profile. The tea contains free amino acids and polyphenols, though specific therapeutic effects of this particular cultivar remain unstudied in clinical research. ## Health Benefits • No clinical health benefits documented in available research - only flavor and sensory characteristics described • Free amino acids and theanine present but specific health effects not studied in provided sources • Umami flavor compounds identified but therapeutic applications not investigated • Traditional prestige tea valued for taste rather than documented medicinal properties • Biomedical research on health outcomes not available in current dossier ## Mechanism of Action Longjing tea contains L-theanine, which crosses the blood-brain barrier and promotes alpha brain wave activity while modulating GABA, dopamine, and [serotonin](/ingredients/condition/mood) [neurotransmitter](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s. The tea's catechins, including EGCG, may influence antioxidant pathways by scavenging [free radical](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s and modulating cellular signaling cascades. However, the specific bioactive profile and mechanisms of Longjing cultivar have not been distinctly characterized compared to other green tea varieties. ## Clinical Summary No clinical studies have specifically investigated the health effects of Longjing tea as a distinct cultivar. Available research focuses primarily on sensory analysis and flavor compounds rather than therapeutic applications. While general green tea research suggests potential benefits from catechins and theanine, these findings cannot be directly attributed to Longjing specifically. The cultivar's unique amino acid profile and umami characteristics have been documented through analytical studies but lack clinical validation for health outcomes. ## Nutritional Profile Longjing (Dragon Well) green tea nutritional composition per 100g dry leaf: Protein 20-30g (high compared to other teas, contributing to umami character); Carbohydrates 40-50g (predominantly cellulose, hemicellulose, and polysaccharides); Fat 2-5g (including small amounts of linolenic acid). Key bioactive compounds: Catechins 10-15% dry weight (epigallocatechin gallate/EGCG 5-10%, epicatechin gallate/ECG 2-4%, epigallocatechin/EGC 1-3%, epicatechin/EC 0.5-1.5%) — notably lower than many other green teas due to pan-frying processing which reduces oxidation; Free amino acids 2-4% dry weight with L-theanine (N-ethyl-L-glutamine) comprising 1-2% dry weight and being the dominant amino acid, contributing directly to umami and sweet flavor notes; Total amino acids significantly elevated compared to other green teas due to shaded pre-harvest conditions in premium grades. Caffeine: 2-4% dry weight (approximately 20-40mg per 200ml brewed cup). Chlorophyll a and b: 0.5-1.0% dry weight (preserved green color due to pan-firing). Minerals per 100g dry leaf: Potassium 1500-2000mg, Calcium 300-500mg, Magnesium 150-200mg, Fluoride 100-200mg, Manganese 30-50mg, Zinc 3-6mg. Vitamins: Vitamin C 150-250mg/100g dry leaf (partially preserved by pan-frying vs. steaming), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) 1-1.5mg/100g, Vitamin E (tocopherols) 25-70mg/100g. Volatile aroma compounds characteristic of Longjing include trans-2-hexenal, linalool, geraniol, and chestnut-like pyrazines formed during pan-firing. Bioavailability notes: Catechin absorption from brewed tea is low (estimated 5-20% bioavailability orally); theanine is readily absorbed via intestinal amino acid transporters with high bioavailability (~95%); caffeine bioavailability approaches 99%. Mineral bioavailability is reduced by tannin binding, particularly for iron. Per 200ml brewed cup (using ~2.5g dry leaf), actual dissolved solids deliver approximately 80-120mg total catechins, 15-25mg theanine, and 20-40mg caffeine into the liquor. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges available in the research. Traditional preparation involves steeping tea leaves in hot water for beverage consumption. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Longjing tea contains caffeine (typically 30-50mg per cup) and may cause [insomnia](/ingredients/condition/sleep), anxiety, or digestive upset in sensitive individuals. The tea may interact with blood thinning medications due to its vitamin K content and could potentially interfere with iron absorption when consumed with meals. Pregnant women should limit intake due to caffeine content, and individuals with caffeine sensitivity should monitor their response. As with all green teas, excessive consumption may lead to liver toxicity in rare cases. ## Scientific Research No clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses were found in the provided research. The available sources focus exclusively on sensory characteristics, flavor profiles, and agricultural production methods rather than biomedical applications. ## Historical & Cultural Context Longjing has been cultivated as a prestigious Chinese tea for centuries, with the most esteemed harvest being Ming Qian, an imperial harvest occurring before the Qingming celebration around March 20. The tea is valued for its sophisticated flavor profile including roasted bean or chestnut notes with smooth, creamy characteristics. ## Synergistic Combinations Insufficient biomedical data to determine synergistic ingredients ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How much theanine is in Longjing tea? Longjing tea contains significant levels of L-theanine among its free amino acids, contributing to its characteristic umami flavor and smooth taste profile. However, specific quantitative theanine measurements for Longjing cultivar have not been published in available research studies. ### What makes Longjing tea different from other green teas? Longjing tea is distinguished by its flat, sword-shaped leaves and high concentration of free amino acids that create a pronounced umami flavor. The cultivar undergoes specific processing methods including hand-firing in woks, which develops its characteristic sweet, nutty taste profile distinct from other green tea varieties. ### Can Longjing tea help with weight loss? No specific weight loss studies have been conducted on Longjing tea as a distinct cultivar. While general green tea research suggests potential metabolic benefits from catechins and caffeine, these effects cannot be directly attributed to Longjing without cultivar-specific clinical trials. ### Is Longjing tea high in antioxidants? Longjing tea likely contains polyphenolic antioxidants typical of green teas, but specific antioxidant capacity measurements for this cultivar are not documented in available research. The tea's antioxidant profile would be expected to include catechins and flavonoids common to Camellia sinensis, though exact concentrations remain uncharacterized. ### How much caffeine does Longjing tea contain? Longjing tea typically contains 30-50mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup, similar to other green teas. The exact caffeine content can vary based on growing conditions, harvest time, and brewing parameters such as water temperature and steeping duration. ### Is Longjing tea safe to drink during pregnancy and breastfeeding? Longjing tea contains caffeine (approximately 25-50 mg per 8 oz cup), which pregnant and breastfeeding women should limit according to standard guidelines. Most healthcare providers recommend keeping total caffeine intake below 200 mg daily during pregnancy. While Longjing is generally considered safe in moderation due to its lower caffeine content compared to other teas and coffee, individual tolerance varies, so consulting a healthcare provider is advisable. ### Does Longjing tea interact with common medications or supplements? Longjing tea's caffeine and compounds may interact with certain medications including blood thinners, stimulant medications, and some psychiatric drugs. The catechins in Longjing can bind to iron, potentially reducing iron absorption if consumed with iron supplements or shortly after iron-rich meals. If you take regular medications or supplements, spacing Longjing consumption 2-3 hours apart and consulting your healthcare provider is recommended. ### What is the optimal brewing temperature and steeping time for Longjing tea to preserve its flavor compounds? Longjing tea should be brewed at 160-180°F (70-80°C) with a steeping time of 3-5 minutes to preserve its delicate flavor profile and umami characteristics. Using water that is too hot can result in a bitter taste and may damage the sensitive amino acids and aromatic compounds. Multiple infusions are possible with high-quality Longjing, with subsequent steepings often lasting 1-2 minutes. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*