Buy 2026 tea if you prioritize freshness and seasonal character; buy discounted 2025 tea when the price is significantly lower and the tea has been stored properly.
Pre-Qingming tea is a specific early-spring category harvested before the Qingming Festival, while spring-harvest tea is a much broader term covering teas picked throughout the spring season.
The best time to buy fresh Chinese green tea in 2026 is generally from late March through April, when the major spring harvests arrive, although the ideal buying date depends on the tea, production area, and whether you prioritize maximum freshness, early picking, or better value.
Vintage comparisons are especially interesting with Longjing because green tea is generally valued for freshness rather than age. A high-quality 2026 harvest can have an advantage in freshness, but a well-stored 2025 Longjing can still be an excellent purchase.
