Biluochun, one of the top ten famous teas in China, is renowned worldwide for its tender appearance, elegant fragrance, and sweet taste. Every spring, Tea trees on Dongshan Mountain in Dongting sprout new buds, and people begin harvesting this premium tea.
The picking of Biluochun is very particular, usually carried out about ten days before the Grain Rain period. At this time, the tips of the tea leaves are delicate and have not fully unfolded, resembling a spiral or a “sparrow's tongue.” When picking, a gentle hand is required, taking only one bud with one leaf to preserve the freshness of the leaves.
After picking, Biluochun undergoes a series of meticulous processing steps, including withering, fixation, rolling, and baking. Among these, pan-firing is a key technique in the production of Biluochun, directly affecting the aroma and taste of the tea. During pan-firing, the heat must be controlled carefully, using a low temperature for slow frying, to ensure that the leaves are evenly heated and emit a delicate fragrance.
The finished Biluochun has a spiral shape, plump buds and leaves, a jade-green color, and visible white down. After brewing, the liquor is clear and bright green, with a rich and fragrant aroma and a fresh, sweet taste that lingers.
How to Brew Biluochun
The method of brewing Biluochun is quite particular, as different water temperatures and Steeping times can produce different flavors. Below are two common brewing methods:
1. Gongfu Brewing
Gongfu brewing is the classic way to brew Biluochun, allowing the full expression of the tea's aroma and flavor. The specific steps are as follows:
- Prepare the teaware: a white porcelain gaiwan, tea leaves, and hot water.
- Tea-to-water ratio: 1 gram of tea for every 120 milliliters of water.
- Water temperature: use 80-85°C (176-185°F) for spring tea and 90-95°C (194-203°F) for winter tea.
- Brewing method:
- Place the tea leaves in the gaiwan, pour a small amount of hot water over them to rinse the tea, then quickly discard the water.
- Refill the gaiwan with hot water, cover, and steep for approximately 20 seconds.
- Remove the lid and pour the tea into a tasting cup.
- Rebrew with additional water; this process can be repeated 4-5 times.
2. One-Infusion Method
The one-infusion method is simple and quick, suitable for everyday consumption. The specific steps are as follows:
- Prepare the teaware: a glass cup, tea leaves, and hot water.
- Tea-to-water ratio: 1 gram of tea for every 50 milliliters of water.
- Water temperature: 80-85°C (176-185°F).
- Brewing method:
- Place the tea leaves in the glass cup.
- Pour hot water over the leaves, cover, and steep for approximately 1 minute.
- Remove the cover and enjoy the tea.
Health benefits of Biluochun
Biluochun is rich in various nutrients and offers benefits such as refreshing the mind, clearing heat and detoxifying, aiding digestion, and beautifying the skin.
- Refreshing the Mind: Biluochun contains abundant Caffeine and theanine, which can stimulate the central nervous system, refresh the mind, and relieve fatigue.
- Clearing Heat and Detoxifying: Biluochun is cool in nature and can help treat symptoms like summer heat, thirst, and mouth ulcers.
- Aiding Digestion: Biluochun is rich in polyphenols and volatile aromatic compounds, which can promote digestion and aid in removing phlegm.
- Beautifying the Skin: Biluochun contains abundant vitamin C and E, which have antioxidant properties and can delay aging and beautify the skin.
Selecting Biluochun
When selecting Biluochun, pay attention to the following points:
- Appearance: Biluochun should have a spiral shape, plump buds and leaves, a jade-green color, and visible white down.
- Aroma: Biluochun has a rich and fragrant aroma with hints of fresh floral and honey scents.
- Taste: Biluochun has a fresh, sweet taste with a long-lasting aftertaste.
- Liquor Color: Biluochun should have a clear, bright green liquor.
Conclusion
Brewing a good cup of Biluochun is an enjoyment and a reflection of a lifestyle. With the above introduction, you should now have a basic understanding of how to brew Biluochun tea. Try brewing it yourself at home and savor the freshness and tranquility that a cup of Biluochun brings.