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First Grade Dragon Well Green Tea vs. Biluochun Green Tea

When it comes to premium Chinese green teas, First Grade Dragon Well (Longjing) Tea and Biluochun Green Tea stand out as two of the most celebrated varieties. Both teas offer unique flavors, aromas, and cultural significance, but they differ in several key aspects. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two exceptional teas.

Origins and Cultivation

First Grade Dragon Well Tea originates from Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, where it has been cultivated for over a thousand years. The tea is grown in the fertile soil around West Lake, benefiting from the region’s mild climate and abundant rainfall. Only the finest young leaves are hand-picked to produce the first-grade variety.

Biluochun Green Tea, on the other hand, comes from Dongting Mountain in Jiangsu Province. Its name translates to “Green Snail Spring,” referring to the tightly rolled leaves that resemble snail shells. The tea bushes grow alongside fruit trees, which impart a subtle fruity aroma to the leaves.

Appearance and Processing

Dragon Well Tea is characterized by its flat, sword-shaped leaves that have a smooth, jade-green appearance. The processing involves careful pan-firing to stop oxidation, followed by shaping the leaves by hand.

Biluochun features small, tightly curled leaves covered with fine white hairs. The processing includes withering, fixing, rolling, and drying, with special attention given to preserving the delicate white hairs that contribute to its appearance and flavor.

Flavor Profile

First Grade Dragon Well offers a mellow, chestnut-like flavor with sweet undertones and a lingering aftertaste. The liquor is clear and bright with a pale yellow-green color.

Biluochun presents a more floral and fruity character, with notes of peach and apricot. The tea has a brisk, refreshing quality with a slightly stronger astringency compared to Dragon Well.

Brewing Methods

Both teas require careful brewing to bring out their best qualities:

• Water temperature: 75-80°C (167-176°F) for both teas
• Steeping time: 1-2 minutes for the first infusion
• Tea-to-water ratio: 2-3 grams per 150ml for Dragon Well, slightly less for Biluochun

Health Benefits

As premium green teas, both varieties offer numerous health benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants (catechins and polyphenols)
• May boost metabolism and support weight management
• Contains L-theanine for relaxation and mental clarity
• Supports cardiovascular health

Conclusion

While both First Grade Dragon Well and Biluochun represent the pinnacle of Chinese green tea production, they cater to different preferences. Dragon Well appeals to those who enjoy a smooth, nutty flavor with historical prestige, while Biluochun suits tea drinkers who prefer a more aromatic, fruity profile. Trying both teas side by side offers a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the diversity of China’s tea culture.

# First Grade Dragon Well Green Tea and Biluochun Green Tea

Discovering the Elegance of Premium Chinese Green Teas

China’s tea culture boasts some of the world’s most exquisite green teas, with First Grade Dragon Well (Longjing) and Biluochun standing as two of its most celebrated varieties. These teas not only offer exceptional flavor profiles but also carry centuries of tradition in their delicate leaves.

First Grade Dragon Well Green Tea: The Emperor of Green Teas

First Grade Dragon Well, or Longjing tea, hails from the West Lake region of Hangzhou in Zhejiang province. This premium grade represents the highest quality of this famous tea, characterized by:

• Flat, smooth leaves with a vibrant jade green color
• A delicate chestnut aroma with subtle floral notes
• A sweet, mellow taste with a lingering aftertaste
• High concentrations of amino acids that create its distinctive umami flavor

The production of First Grade Dragon Well follows strict traditional methods, with each leaf carefully hand-picked during the early spring harvest. The pan-firing technique gives the leaves their signature flat shape while preserving their fresh, vegetal flavors.

Biluochun Green Tea: The Spring Snail of Dongting

Biluochun, meaning “Green Snail Spring,” originates from Dongting Mountain in Jiangsu province. This tightly rolled tea resembles small snails, with its name reflecting both the shape and the early spring harvest time. Key characteristics include:

• Tightly curled leaves covered with fine white hairs
• A strong, fruity aroma often compared to apricots
• A brisk, refreshing taste with floral undertones
• A bright, clear liquor with a pale green-yellow hue

Authentic Biluochun grows in orchards where tea plants are cultivated alongside fruit trees, which some believe contributes to its unique fruity fragrance. The tender buds and young leaves are carefully harvested to maintain the tea’s premium quality.

Brewing the Perfect Cup

To fully appreciate these exceptional teas, proper brewing is essential:

1. Use fresh, filtered water heated to 75-80°C (167-176°F)
2. Preheat your teaware with hot water
3. Use approximately 3 grams of tea per 150ml of water
4. Steep for 1-2 minutes for the first infusion
5. Gradually increase steeping time for subsequent infusions

Both teas can yield multiple infusions, with each steeping revealing different layers of their complex flavor profiles.

Health Benefits of Premium Green Teas

First Grade Dragon Well and Biluochun offer numerous health benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants that combat free radicals
• Contains L-theanine for mental clarity and relaxation
• May support cardiovascular health
• Potential metabolism-boosting properties
• Natural source of vitamins and minerals

As with all green teas, these varieties are best enjoyed without milk or sugar to fully appreciate their natural flavors and maximize their health benefits.

Choosing Between Dragon Well and Biluochun

While both are exceptional Chinese green teas, they offer distinct experiences:

Characteristic	First Grade Dragon Well	Biluochun