30-Second Summary
- What it is: Biluochun is a famous Chinese green tea made from tender spring buds and leaves, tightly rolled into tiny curls.
- Flavour: Floral, fruity, and softly sweet with a delicate body.
- Caffeine: Low–medium compared with many other green teas.
- Quick Brew: 2–3 g · 75–80°C · 1–2 minutes.
- Best Time to Drink: Morning or early afternoon.
What is Biluochun Green Tea?
Biluochun (often written Bi Luo Chun, meaning “Green Snail Spring”) is a classic Chinese green tea known for its tight, curly leaf shape and intense spring aroma. Traditionally produced in Jiangsu province around Dongting Mountain, it is prized for its light, floral character and gentle sweetness.
Where does Biluochun come from?
Biluochun originated near Dongting Mountain in Jiangsu, China, where tea bushes are often grown among fruit trees. This mixed planting is believed to contribute to its distinctive fruity–floral fragrance. Today, Biluochun-style teas are also produced in other provinces, but Dongting Biluochun remains the most renowned.
What does Biluochun taste like?
- Aroma: Fresh flowers, light fruit, and spring greens.
- Taste: Gentle sweetness with hints of stone fruit and young vegetables.
- Body: Light to medium with a silky texture.
- Aftertaste: Clean, lingering floral finish.
Does Biluochun have a lot of caffeine?
Biluochun is made from young buds and leaves, so it has low–medium caffeine for a green tea. Many people enjoy it in the morning or early afternoon when they want a gentle lift rather than a strong jolt.
Types, Grades & Styles of Biluochun
- Dongting Biluochun: Classic, high-end version from Jiangsu with strong aroma and fine curls.
- Other regions (e.g. Yunnan): Often slightly heavier or more vegetal in flavour.
- Grade labels: Superior, first grade, or special grade usually signal higher bud content and finer picking standards.
Higher grades show more tiny buds covered in fine fuzz, tighter curls, and a more pronounced natural fragrance.
How to Brew Biluochun (Everyday Method)
- Warm your cup or teapot.
- Add 2–3 g of Biluochun per 250 ml water.
- Use water at 75–80°C (let boiled water cool briefly).
- Steep for 1–2 minutes.
- Taste and adjust future steeps shorter or longer depending on your preference.
Re-steeps: 2–3, adding a little time to each infusion.
Gongfu-Style Brewing (Optional)
- Use 4–5 g of tea per 100 ml water.
- Heat water to 75–80°C.
- Steep the first infusion for 20–30 seconds.
- Increase each following infusion by about 5–10 seconds, enjoying 4–6 short brews.
How to Make Cold Brew Biluochun
- Add 8–10 g of tea to 1 litre of cold, filtered water.
- Refrigerate for 4–6 hours.
- Strain and serve chilled, with or without ice.
Cold brew Biluochun is light, refreshing, and naturally sweet with very little bitterness.
Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes
Why is my Biluochun bitter?
The water was likely too hot or the steep too long. Keep it below 80°C and use shorter infusions.
Why does it taste flat or weak?
Use a little more leaf or extend the steep by 20–30 seconds to extract more flavour.
Why did the liquor turn dull and yellow?
The tea may be old or stored poorly. Fresh Biluochun normally brews a clear, pale green–yellow.
How to Choose a Good Biluochun
- Look for small, tight curls with fine silvery fuzz.
- Check for a sweet, floral, springlike aroma from the dry leaf.
- Prefer tea with clear origin and grade information.
Avoid tea that smells stale, musty, or appears very broken and dusty.
Food Pairings & When to Drink It
- Light breakfasts and fresh fruit.
- Mild pastries or sponge cakes.
- Simple steamed vegetables or salads.
Biluochun is most often enjoyed in the morning to early afternoon.
Modern Drinks & Recipe Ideas
- Iced Biluochun with slices of pear or peach.
- Sparkling Biluochun cooler with chilled tea and sparkling water.
Storage & Shelf Life
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep away from light, heat, moisture, and strong odours.
- Enjoy within 6–12 months of purchase for best flavour.
Similar Teas You Might Like
- Longjing (Dragon Well) – nutty, pan-fired Chinese green tea.
- Sencha – steamed Japanese green tea with brighter grassiness.
- Mao Feng – another fragrant Chinese green with soft sweetness.
FAQ
Is Biluochun a green tea?
Yes, Biluochun is a Chinese green tea.
Can I use boiling water?
It’s better to let water cool slightly—aim for 75–80°C to avoid bitterness.
How many times can I re-steep Biluochun?
Usually 2–3 times, extending the brew length a little with each infusion.
Do I need a special teapot?
No special teaware is required—any small teapot, cup, or glass brewing vessel works well.
