Fake vs. Real Long Jing (Dragonwell)

[tatsumi09]

I have a question regarding fake and real Long Jing (Dragonwell)

On many sites they state that much of the Long Jing sold is fake (which is usually avoided by going to reputable sellers who charge premium prices). If I buy my Long Jing from a small Chinese grocery store, there is an extremely high chance it's fake, but I might enjoy its flavor.

The question is, does the fake have similar benefits to the real one (i.e. it is not some artificial flavored product), and is there any harm in the tea bought from Chinese grocery stores, or is it that cheap products may contain harmful ingredients that I may not be aware of, where paying slightly more for higher quality products may be better long-term.

(My main problem is shipping since I'm located in the United Arab Emirates)

[Chip]

The so called fakes can be good, but can also be pretty bad. They tend to be more "fried" than the better ones ... more roasted, nutty covering up the otherwise inferior leaf.

The authentic ones are more typically lighter flavored, more veggie to floral.

The leaf of the inferior ones will be more broken as well, not the attractive leaf sets of the good ones.

[Oni]

Real XI Hu Long Jing, from the original cultivars are expencieve, I suggest you to try good LJ, not the best but from trustworthy vendors, I tried Funalliance, I liked it a lot, it is a good starter, I also tries the cheapest LJ from Jingteashop, that was ok too, not as good as funalliance, and finally try the real thing, there are a few companies that own plantation in Xi Hu area, Teaspring has Shi Feng (Lion brand) LJ, Tribute Lj (this year not available for unknown reason), Dragon teahouse Nonprail is Mei Jia Wu village, so is Hojo`s cultivar 43# also from Mei Jia Wu village, Jing teashop has the best from Shi Feng brand also cultivar 43#, if you get obsessed, try from the cheapest and work your way up as you learn all abour Long Jing, I am going to try all these LJ`s next year, this year I tried all Anhui teas from the main vendors from my list, I believe a quest like this to try out Long Jing is not in vein, it is the most famous tea in the world, this has a reason, it must be very very good.

[depravitea]

From what I've read Long jing is Long jing only if it is made in the determined location.
Kind of how bourbon is only bourbon if it was made in Kentucky, if not, it's just a sour mash whiskey.
It makes sense to me that you should be able find an excellent (unofficial) "Long jing".
But I guess it's easier to get screwed that way too...

[jackdaniel]

Sounds just like the Champagne debate...

[kasey]

Has anyone tried the Foojoy brand (Gold Label) Long Jing that comes in
a tightly wrapped sealed tin found in specialty Chinese supermarkets and online?

This retails for $15 for 4oz and is spicy and nutty. I brew @ 170 degrees
for 2min in a gaiwan.

This is the highest quality they offer and for the money I'm reluctant to
risk buying anything more esoteric until someone who has tried it tells me that they know of something that is worth the extra cost.

I love the flavor, but not the nervous buzz. I'm leaning toward Sencha,
I think.