cha sourcing's blog : Steeped in Tradition: West Lake Longjing Tea vs. Bi Luo Chun Green Tea
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China's vast landscape harbors not only diverse cultures but also a variety of traditional teas, each with its own unique story and flavor profile. Among the most celebrated are West Lake Longjing Tea and Bi Luo Chun Green Tea. Both are famed for their history and premium quality, but they differ in cultivation, processing techniques, and cultural significance. This article explores these aspects, providing a deeper understanding of these two prestigious Chinese green teas.
Historical Origins
West Lake Longjing Tea, also known as Dragon Well tea, comes from the West Lake region of Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. This tea has been appreciated since the time of the Qing dynasty, where it gained fame for its distinctive flat leaves and was granted the status of an Imperial tea. The legend says Emperor Qianlong visited West Lake and was so impressed by the tea that he designated the 18 tea bushes from which it was harvested as imperial.
Bi Luo Chun Green Tea, which translates to "Green Snail Spring," originates from the Dongting Mountain region of Jiangsu province. It is one of the oldest known teas in China, with a history dating back to the Sui Dynasty. The name describes the tea's tight, spiral-shaped leaves that resemble snail meat and are picked early in the spring. Historically, Bi Luo Chun was also a tribute tea during the Qing dynasty, highly cherished for its delicate flavor and aroma.
Cultivation and Processing
West Lake Longjing Tea is meticulously hand-picked and traditionally pan-fired soon after harvesting to stop the natural oxidation process. The leaves are then pressed flat during the roasting process, a technique that enhances the tea’s sweet, mellow flavor while preserving the green color. The tea is renowned for its 'four wonders'—jade color, vegetal aroma, mellow flavor, and beautiful leaf shape.
Bi Luo Chun Green Tea is harvested in the early spring when the buds are young and tender. The unique characteristic of Bi Luo Chun’s cultivation is its growth amongst fruit trees, which is believed to impart the tea with its fruity aroma. The processing of Bi Luo Chun is intricate, involving delicate hand rolling that shapes the leaves into tiny spirals, which unfurl when brewed.
Cultural Significance
West Lake Longjing Tea is deeply ingrained in Chinese tea culture and is often served to visiting dignitaries and heads of state. Its association with imperial history and the picturesque West Lake area makes it a symbol of Chinese national pride and heritage.
Bi Luo Chun Green Tea, while perhaps less internationally recognized than Longjing, holds a special place in the hearts of local connoisseurs and tea enthusiasts. The tea is celebrated during the annual Bi Luo Chun Tea Festival in Suzhou, where it continues to be a significant part of local culture and economy.
Flavor Profiles
West Lake Longjing Tea is characterized by its subtle, yet rich, nutty flavor, complemented by a slight sweetness and a lingering aftertaste. The aroma is refreshingly grassy, with hints of chestnut, making it a soothing choice for tea lovers.
Bi Luo Chun Green Tea offers a complex flavor profile with a floral, sweet aroma enhanced by the subtle undercurrents of fruitiness from its unique cultivation environment. Its taste is lighter than Longjing's, with a crisp finish that makes it a refreshing spring tea.
Conclusion
West Lake Longjing Tea and Bi Luo Chun Green Tea are both exquisite examples of China’s rich tea heritage, each presenting a unique blend of historical significance, cultivation artistry, and flavor. Whether one prefers the smooth, well-rounded taste of Longjing or the delicate, aromatic pleasures of Bi Luo Chun, both teas offer a profound connection to the ancient traditions and natural beauty of their respective regions, making them treasures of the tea world.
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