G-CN-003

Biluochun

碧螺春

Curled green, from Jiangsu, China.

Green tea

Biluochun is strongest on aroma intensity, sweetness and smoothness. Typical tasting words: orchid, peach, asparagus, fresh grass, sweet pea. Cultivated since the Ming Dynasty along Lake Tai; famously renamed 'Green Snail Spring' by the Kangxi Emperor for its tight spirals. Interplanted with fruit trees like peach and plum in traditional orchards, which tea masters credit for its floral and fruity scent.

Also known as Pi Lo Chun, Green Snail Spring and Dongting Biluochun.

Compare

The profile

Taste, 0 to 5

sweetness4bitterness2astringency2umami3brightness3body2smoothness4aroma intensity5finish length4

Flavour families, 0 to 5

floral4fruity3vegetal3marine0nutty1toasty0malty0honey1spicy0woody0earthy0smoky0creamy0citrus0stone fruit2tropical0cocoa0caramel0

Facts

Origin: Jiangsu, China
Plant: Camellia sinensis var. sinensis, Dongting Qunti
Harvest: early spring before Qingming, March to April
Elevation: low
Oxidation: 0 to 3%
Roast: unroasted
Leaf: curled
Price band: premium
Availability: common
Ageing: not for ageing
Forgiving to brew: 2 of 5
L-theanine: moderate

Made by: high-heat pan-firing, then rolling and shaping, then curling, then drying.

Caffeine

A cup of Biluochun carries a typical estimate of 35 mg of caffeine, within a range of 25 to 55 mg depending on leaf amount, water temperature and steeping time. Figures are estimates for a 240 ml cup. Better earlier in the day if you are sensitive to caffeine. The caffeine planner turns this into a daily total.

How to brew it

Method	Leaf	Water	Steeps
Western, 250 ml	2.5 g	75 to 80 °C	90 s, 2 min, 3 min
Gongfu, 100 ml	4 g	75 to 80 °C	15 s, 20 s, 25 s, 40 s, 60 s, 80 s
Cold brew, 250 ml	2.5 g	Fridge	4 to 8 hours

Up to 6 infusions. Scale for your own pot with the brew calculator.

Drinking it

morning
afternoon
morning
midday
social

Pairs with seafood, salads and sushi. Milk: no. Iced: yes. Sweetener: no. Good for beginners: no.