# 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:
- Use fresh, filtered water heated to 75-80°C (167-176°F)
- Preheat your teaware with hot water
- Use approximately 3 grams of tea per 150ml of water
- Steep for 1-2 minutes for the first infusion
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
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