Biluochun Premium Green Tea

Biluochun green tea, also known as "Green Snail Spring," is a highly esteemed Chinese green tea known for its distinctive appearance, rich aroma, and delicate flavor. Originating from the Dongting mountain region near Lake Tai in Jiangsu Province, Biluochun has a long history and is considered one of China’s top ten famous teas.

The tea leaves of Biluochun Premium tea are so fragrant and so fluffy that you want to make a down pillow out of them.

It is a very gentle green tea with a lovely floral and fruity aroma.

Biluochun has over 1,000 years of history and has always fascinated the upper-class and tea experts in Chinese history. Zhen Jun (1857 - 1918 AD), author of the tea encyclopedia "The Theory of Tea," ranked it first among all Chinese green teas, while Longjing tea second, and Liu An Gua Pian third.

If you'd like to know what drinking this tea is like, you can read this: Biluochun - Aromas of Blossoms and Orchard Fruits.

Characteristics

1. Flavor and Aroma:
   - Floral and Fruity: Biluochun is renowned for its strong, natural floral fragrance, often compared to the scent of blooming orchids or jasmine. It also has subtle fruity undertones, reminiscent of apricots or peaches.
   - Sweet and Refreshing: The taste is fresh, sweet, and slightly brisk, with a mild vegetal note and a hint of nuttiness. It provides a clean, refreshing aftertaste.

2. Appearance:
   - Curled Leaves: The tea leaves are tightly rolled into small, snail-like spirals, which is where the tea gets its name ("Biluochun" translates to "Green Snail Spring").
   - Fine, Downy Hairs: The leaves are covered with fine, white downy hairs, indicative of the tea's tender and young leaves.
   - Bright Green Color: The dry leaves have a vibrant, jade-green color, which transforms into a bright, clear green liquor when brewed.

3. Cultivation and Harvest:
   - High-Quality Standards: Biluochun is typically harvested in early spring, just before the Qingming Festival. Only the young, tender buds and the first few leaves are picked.
   - Unique Growing Conditions: The tea plants grow in orchards among fruit trees and flowering shrubs, which contribute to the tea’s unique aromatic profile as the tea absorbs the surrounding floral and fruity fragrances.

4. Processing:
   - Handcrafted: The processing of Biluochun is highly meticulous and involves careful hand-rolling to achieve its distinctive spiral shape.
   - Pan-Frying: The tea is pan-fried to halt oxidation and preserve its green color and fresh flavor. This step requires precise temperature control to ensure the tea retains its delicate characteristics.

Tasting Notes

When brewing Biluochun green tea, you can expect:
- An initial infusion that bursts with floral aromas and a sweet, smooth taste.
- A light, almost ethereal body with a refreshing and clean finish.
- Subtle vegetal and fruity layers that add complexity to the overall flavor.

Health Benefits

Biluochun green tea offers several health benefits, such as:
- Antioxidant Rich: High in catechins and other antioxidants that help combat free radicals.
- Boosts Metabolism: May aid in weight management by enhancing metabolic rate.
- Improves Digestion: Promotes healthy digestion and gut health.
- Calming Effects: Contains L-theanine, which helps reduce stress and improve focus.

Brewing Tips

Chinese Gongfu Method (5oz / 150ml):

1. Tea Leaf-to-Water Ratio: Use approximately 7 grams of Biluochun Green Tea for 150 ml (5 oz) of water. This ratio allows for a stronger concentration suitable for Gongfu brewing.

2. Water Temperature: Heat water to around 75-80°C (167-176°F). This lower temperature helps preserve the delicate flavors of the green tea and prevents bitterness.

3. Brewing Time:
   - First Infusion: Steep for about 30-40 seconds. This initial short steeping time allows the tightly rolled leaves of Biluochun to begin unfurling and releasing their flavors gradually.
   - Subsequent Infusions: Increase the steeping time slightly for each subsequent infusion. For example, steep for 40-50 seconds for the second infusion, then adjust based on taste preference. Biluochun Green Tea can typically be steeped multiple times (3-4 infusions or more) using this method, with each infusion revealing different layers of its flavor profile.

Cup Method (8.8oz / 250ml):

1. Tea Leaf-to-Water Ratio: Adjust based on personal preference for tea strength. 

2. Water Temperature: Use water at around 75-80°C (167-176°F), similar to Gongfu brewing.

3. Brewing Time:
   - Steep Time: Steep Biluochun Green Tea for 2-3 minutes. This slightly longer steeping time allows the tea leaves to fully unfurl and release their delicate flavors into the larger volume of water.

Biluochun green tea is cherished for its unique blend of floral and fruity notes, delicate sweetness, and refreshing qualities, making it a favorite among tea connoisseurs. Its intricate production process and the influence of its natural growing environment contribute to its esteemed reputation and delightful drinking experience.

• Collected: 2023
• Origin: Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China
• Taste: lovely floral-fruity aroma