Biluochun Organic Green Tea from Sanxia District (碧螺春)

Very rare and untypical for Taiwan, Biluochun (Bi Luo Chun) green tea from Sanxia District is an unoxidized green tea with a strong aroma. It is also known by names such as Pi Lo Chun or Bi Lo Chun. This tea originated in mainland China, in Jiangsu Province. In the early 20th century, the production technique was brought to Taiwan, where it began to be cultivated in the Sanxia region.

Biluochun is harvested before early April, according to the Chinese lunar calendar, during the blossoming of fruit trees. This imparts a natural and distinctive fruity flavor and aroma to the tea. Harvesting is done at the earliest hour of the day, selecting one bud and one leaf. It is usually picked early in the morning. The tea undergoes an initial sorting before and after noon, and from midday until evening it is lightly dried and rolled. Since the entire process takes just one day, Biluochun is often referred to as “one-day tea.”

The first shoots are especially valuable. They contain a single unopened leaf and one bud. The leaf blade should not exceed 1.5 cm in length. If it is longer, it is rejected.

Buds contain a high concentration of beneficial compounds, which is why they are always included. They also lend the tea a refined and elegant character.

The raw material is meticulously hand-sorted. White leaves are discarded. Each leaf is selected in such a way that, after rolling, the tea leaves are uniform in shape and size. It takes about 4 hours to process just 1 kilogram of raw material.

The selected raw material is divided into three quality grades:

• Garden Select – Refined everyday quality
• Estate Select – Premium leaves with superior aroma and balance
• Exceptional Rare – The pinnacle of craftsmanship and rarity

Biluochun contains more caffeine than oolongs because the young tea leaves used in its production have the highest caffeine concentration in the tea plant. High-temperature roasting also can increases caffeine content, resulting in a more astringent flavor.

This exclusive green tea is produced in very limited quantities. The tea bushes grow in an ecologically clean environment.

Nearly all of the Biluochun produced is exported to Japan, making it very rare to find on the open market.

Tea leaves: Green, with a characteristic spiral shape and covered with fine white fluff.

Effects for the Body

Green tea typically contains the highest amount of antioxidants due to its high polyphenol content, and Biluochun is no exception. In traditional Chinese medicine, green tea has a cooling effect on the body, making it an ideal choice for summer tea drinking.

Due to its relatively high caffeine content, it’s best to drink Biluochun during the day. Green tea is quite strong and astringent, so it is recommended to drink it during or after meals — but never on an empty stomach.

Taste

Biluochun is renowned for its delicate yet complex flavor profile. It has a floral-fruity taste with a light grassy undertone.

Its aroma is marked by notes of orchids and chestnuts, with a hint of fresh spring grass.

Brewing Instructions

A transparent glass vessel works best, as it allows you to observe the leaf unfurling and the color of the brew.

Green tea is brewed at a lower temperature compared to traditional oolongs.

Pour 200 ml of hot water into the vessel. Add 2–3 grams (1–1.5 teaspoons) of tea leaves and immediately pour the water out. This first infusion is not for drinking; it is used to rinse the leaves.

Then pour 225–250 ml of hot water (at 70–80°C / 158–176°F) into the vessel. Add the rinsed tea leaves and steep for 20–25 seconds. You can adjust the steeping time based on your taste preferences.

Increase the steeping time with each subsequent infusion. The same portion of tea can be brewed multiple times.

Important: When brewing Biluochun, always add the tea leaves to the water, not the other way around, to achieve the best flavor and aroma.

Additional information

Please note, that it is natural tea with high content of active elements, including caffeine, and minerals and some unusual feelings could appear. In that case we recommend decrease quantity of dry leaves and brewing time.