A Comparative Exploration of West Lake Longjing Tea and Bi Luo Chun Green Tea
West Lake Longjing Tea and Bi Luo Chun Green Tea are two of China’s most prestigious green teas, each with a deep historical background and a revered status among tea enthusiasts. This article dives into the subtleties that distinguish these teas, from their origins to their sensory profiles, cultivation methods, and brewing techniques.
Origins and Historical Significance
West Lake Longjing Tea, from the West Lake region of Hangzhou, Zhejiang, is often considered one of the most luxurious green teas. It has a well-documented history of being a preferred choice among Chinese emperors, particularly celebrated for its quality and the meticulous care in its production.
Bi Luo Chun Green Tea hails from the Dong Ting mountains of Jiangsu Province. Its name, translating to “Green Snail Spring,” aptly describes the tightly rolled leaves that resemble snail shells. This tea is noted for its delicate and highly aromatic profile, often ranked high in the list of China’s famous teas.
Flavour and Aroma Characteristics
West Lake Longjing Tea is known for its subtle, refined flavour, with a slight sweetness and a clean, well-rounded finish. It possesses a distinctive nutty aroma, often likened to roasted chestnuts. The brew is pale yellow-green, clear, and bright, reflecting its purity and high grade.
Bi Luo Chun Green Tea offers a robust sensory experience with a potent, refreshing aroma that blends floral, fruity, and vegetal notes. The flavour is layered, with a sweet start followed by a complex mix of floral and slightly grassy notes, showcasing its rich character.
Cultivation and Processing Techniques
The cultivation of West Lake Longjing Tea involves specific environmental conditions offered by the West Lake area’s microclimate. The leaves are hand-picked in early spring, traditionally before the Qingming festival, and quickly pan-fired to prevent oxidation, preserving their distinct flat shape and vibrant green colour.
Bi Luo Chun Green Tea is also picked early in the spring but requires a unique handling where the young leaves and buds are rolled into tight spirals. This tea is famous for being grown interspersed among fruit trees, which contributes to its fruity aroma as the tea bushes absorb the scents from the blossoming fruit trees nearby.
Brewing the Perfect Cup
To enjoy West Lake Longjing Tea, use water at about 80°C to avoid burning the delicate leaves, which could release bitterness. A steeping time of 2-3 minutes is recommended, allowing the flat leaves to fully expand and release their full flavour.
Bi Luo Chun Green Tea should be brewed at a slightly lower temperature, around 70-75°C, for about 1 minute. The cooler water helps maintain the integrity of its flavours and aromas without overwhelming the subtle notes.
Health Benefits
Both teas are rich in antioxidants, with numerous health benefits, including improved brain function, fat loss, and a lower risk of heart disease. West Lake Longjing Tea is particularly noted for its high content of Vitamin C, amino acids, and catechins, which help in detoxifying the body and enhancing overall health.
Bi Luo Chun Green Tea is also beneficial for health, credited with properties that help in reducing stress, combating aging due to its high antioxidant levels, and promoting skin health.
Conclusion
West Lake Longjing and Bi Luo Chun are not just teas but cultural treasures of China. They offer distinct tasting experiences that reflect their unique cultivation environments and histories. Whether one prefers the smooth, subtle elegance of Longjing or the aromatic complexity of Bi Luo Chun, each tea offers a profound insight into the traditional art of Chinese tea-making and presents a delightful journey through taste and aroma.
