It is called Longjing, named after the village where it was first grown.

ECONOMIST: The fake cuppa

In a swoop on a Shanghai market, inspectors seized more than 60 samples of various teas, among them Longjing, for examination.

ECONOMIST: The fake cuppa

The best quality Longjing is harvested only during a two-week period, usually between April 5th and 21st, after which the weather tends to turn humid.

ECONOMIST: The fake cuppa

Both sides have agreed that the Longjing field, which more certainly extends across the median line, will in future also be developed jointly, with costs and profits split.

ECONOMIST: China, Japan and Taiwan

However, a shadow has fallen over Longjing tea.

ECONOMIST: The fake cuppa

The Chinese have been praising Longjing for centuries.

ECONOMIST: The fake cuppa