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First Grade Dragon Well Green Tea vs. Biluochun Green Tea
Introduction to Two Premium Chinese Green Teas
China’s rich tea culture offers an array of exquisite green teas, with First Grade Dragon Well (Longjing) and Biluochun standing among the most celebrated. Both teas boast unique characteristics, from their appearance to their flavor profiles, making them favorites among tea connoisseurs worldwide.
First Grade Dragon Well Green Tea
First Grade Dragon Well, or Longjing, originates from Hangzhou’s West Lake region in Zhejiang province. This premium green tea is renowned for its flat, sword-shaped leaves and vibrant jade-green color.
Characteristics:
– Appearance: Flat, smooth leaves with a uniform shape
– Aroma: Delicate chestnut-like fragrance
– Flavor: Mellow, sweet with a lingering aftertaste
– Liquor: Pale yellow-green with excellent clarity
Brewing Method:
Use water at 80-85°C (176-185°F) and steep for 1-2 minutes. The leaves can typically be infused 2-3 times.
Biluochun Green Tea
Biluochun, meaning “Green Snail Spring,” comes from Dongting Mountain in Jiangsu province. Its name derives from the tea’s spiral shape resembling snail shells and its spring harvest time.
Characteristics:
– Appearance: Tightly curled, spiral-shaped leaves with white hairs
– Aroma: Intense floral and fruity notes
– Flavor: Fresh, brisk with a slightly sweet finish
– Liquor: Bright green with a slightly cloudy appearance
Brewing Method:
Biluochun requires cooler water (75-80°C/167-176°F) and shorter steeping time (30-60 seconds) due to its delicate nature.
Key Differences Between Dragon Well and Biluochun
1. Leaf Shape and Appearance
Dragon Well features flat, broad leaves while Biluochun has tightly curled, spiral-shaped leaves covered in fine white hairs.
2. Aroma Profile
Dragon Well offers a nuttier, more subdued aroma compared to Biluochun’s pronounced floral and fruity fragrance.
3. Flavor Experience
While both are refreshing, Dragon Well presents a smoother, more rounded taste, whereas Biluochun delivers a brighter, more vibrant flavor with a slightly astringent edge.
4. Growing Regions
Dragon Well comes exclusively from Zhejiang, while authentic Biluochun is produced in Jiangsu, with each region’s terroir influencing the tea’s characteristics.
Which Tea Should You Choose?
For those who prefer:
– Dragon Well: A mellower, nuttier green tea with elegant simplicity
– Biluochun: A more aromatic, complex green tea with floral notes
Both First Grade Dragon Well and Biluochun represent the pinnacle of Chinese green tea craftsmanship. Your preference will depend on whether you favor Dragon Well’s refined subtlety or Bil
