“Had this last night while starting Elementary (which BTW I’m immediately fond of—it’s like a breath of fresh air antidote to a lot of the problems I have with Sherlock). It was lovely and I’m...” Read full tasting note
“It’s Monday, and I’ve got a cupboard bursting with untasted teas! I’m going to try comparing some milk oolongs later this week, but for now, this seemed like a nice way to start. I got this as a...” Read full tasting note
This is one of Chinas most famous teas. Our Bi Lou Chun was collected by our certified tea sommelier on this year’s spring tea tour. The name Bi Lou Chun translates as either Spring Snail shell or Green Snail Spring. This tea hails from the island of Dongting in the Jaingstu province in China. This is a fairly isolated region 2 hours north of Hangzhou (the hometown of Long Jin.) The leafsets are picked early in the harvesting season with a plucking standard of one bud one leaf. Then they go through very careful processing. The leaves are small and tightly wound resembling a snails shell. The tea gets its trademark roasted aroma and flavour from its processing. To stop oxidization the tea leaves are fixed in hot woks. This provides the tea with the roasted vegetal flavour it is renowned for. This tea is a wonderful form of Chinese green tea. Its sweet roasted flavours make it perfect for those who may find other greens too grassy. The health benefits of Bi Lou Chun may include increased metabolism and weight loss. Because of the high antioxidant content of green tea Bi Lou Chun may help maintain healthy skin, teeth and bones, as well as lowering blood pressure and bad cholesterol. Some studies have shown antioxidants may have cancer fighting properties.
Region: Dong Shan, Jiang Su Province, China
Other Names: Bi Lo Chun, Spring Snail Shell, Pi Lo Chun, Green Snail Spring.
Appearance: The leafsets are a tightly wound spiral shape with a very dark green (even blue in certain light) colour. The dry leaves have fuzzy hairs blanketing the white tips. The leaves have a very sweet, roasted and nutty aroma.
Taste: The teas liquor is light and thin with strong roasted vegetal flavours with soft floral hints of sweet citrus and fruity notes.
Steeping Guide:
Teaware: Glass or ceramic Gai Wan
Amount: 3g /1½ teaspoons
Temperature: 80°c (176°F)
Steeping Time: 1 to 2 minutes for the first two steeps and 3 to 5 minutes for the third and fourth.
*These steeping directions are for a traditional Gong Fu style tea, if you are brewing this tea in a regular cup we recommend steeping for 2 – 3 minutes. This tea can also been re-steeped 4 times.
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