Biluochun Green Tea, 2026, 50g
"Green Snail Spring" — one of China's most celebrated green teas
Biluochun (碧螺春) is one of China's Ten Famous Teas, cherished for centuries for its extraordinary fragrance and delicate beauty. The name itself tells the story: "Bi" (碧) — jade green, "Luo" (螺) — snail, "Chun" (春) — spring. Each leaf is tightly rolled into a tiny spiral resembling a snail shell, covered in fine silvery-white down, and harvested in the first days of spring. Before Emperor Kangxi gave it its refined name during the Qing Dynasty, locals called this tea "Xia Sha Ren Xiang" — "Scary Fragrance" — for the sheer intensity of its aroma.
Authentic Biluochun originates from the Dongting Mountains near Lake Tai in Jiangsu Province, where tea bushes grow alongside peach, plum, apricot, and loquat trees. This unique "tea-fruit composite" environment is key to the tea's character: the blossoms of surrounding fruit trees infuse the young tea leaves with a natural floral and fruity sweetness that no processing technique can replicate.
Processing Only the most tender single buds and tiny leaves are hand-plucked in early spring — it takes tens of thousands of them to produce just one small batch. The leaves are pan-fired by hand in a wok to halt oxidation, then carefully rolled into their signature spiral shape and dried at low temperature. The entire process is designed to preserve the tea's delicate fuzz, bright colour, and intense fragrance.
Appearance Tiny, tightly curled spirals covered in fine white down, with a soft jade-green shimmer. The infusion is a clear, luminous pale green-gold with a delicate haze of floating micro-fibres from the buds.
Tasting notes Bright, fresh, and immediately aromatic. The first sip opens with floral sweetness — orchid and white blossoms — followed by crisp notes of fresh greens, young pear, and a hint of citrus zest. Underneath, there is a gentle nuttiness reminiscent of toasted almonds or pine nuts, and a light, clean umami that adds depth. The mouthfeel is silky and juicy, with a refreshing mineral finish that lingers long after each sip.
Aroma Intensely fragrant — this is one of the most aromatic green teas in existence. The dry leaves carry a vivid bouquet of spring blossoms and orchard fruit. Once steeped, the aroma softens into a gentle blend of fresh greenery, sweet melon, and a clean floral note.
Effect Bright and clarifying. Biluochun has a notably high amino acid content, offering a clean, gentle energy and a refreshing coolness that makes it especially enjoyable in warm weather. A perfect tea for mornings and light afternoon sessions.