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First Grade Dragon Well Green Tea vs. Biluochun Green Tea: A Comparison

Introduction

Green tea is one of the most popular beverages worldwide, known for its refreshing taste and numerous health benefits. Among the many varieties, First Grade Dragon Well (Longjing) Tea and Biluochun Green Tea stand out as two of China’s most prestigious and sought-after green teas. In this article, we will compare these two exceptional teas in terms of origin, appearance, flavor, and brewing methods.

Origin and History

First Grade Dragon Well Green Tea

Dragon Well tea, or Longjing, originates from Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province, China. It has a history dating back over 1,200 years and is often associated with Chinese emperors and scholars. The first-grade designation indicates the highest quality, hand-picked from the earliest spring harvest.

Biluochun Green Tea

Biluochun, meaning “Green Snail Spring,” comes from the Dongting Mountain region in Jiangsu Province. Its name refers to the tightly rolled leaves resembling snail shells. Like Dragon Well, Biluochun has a long history and is prized for its delicate aroma and flavor.

Appearance

Dragon Well Tea: The leaves are flat and smooth, with a vibrant jade-green color. High-quality Longjing has uniform, whole leaves without stems or broken pieces.

Biluochun Tea: The leaves are tightly curled into small spirals, resembling snail shells. They are covered with fine white hairs, giving them a slightly fuzzy appearance.

Flavor Profile

Dragon Well Green Tea

First Grade Dragon Well offers a mellow, chestnut-like sweetness with a smooth, buttery texture. The aftertaste is clean and refreshing, with a subtle vegetal note.

Biluochun Green Tea

Biluochun is known for its intense floral aroma, often compared to orchids or fruit blossoms. The taste is fresh and slightly sweet, with a lingering fruity finish.

Brewing Methods

Dragon Well Tea

Use water at 75-80°C (167-176°F) and steep for 1-2 minutes. The flat leaves expand beautifully in the cup, revealing their full shape.

Biluochun Tea

Brew at slightly cooler temperatures (70-75°C or 158-167°F) for 1-1.5 minutes. The small leaves unfurl quickly, releasing their aromatic compounds.

Conclusion

Both First Grade Dragon Well and Biluochun are exceptional green teas representing the pinnacle of Chinese tea craftsmanship. Dragon Well offers a more nutty, smooth experience, while Biluochun delights with its floral intensity. The choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference – both are worthy of their prestigious reputations.