Biluochun is a traditional Chinese Tea and one of the top ten famous teas in China, belonging to the Green Tea category, with a history of over 1,000 years. It is produced in the Dongting Mountains and West Dongting Mountains (now in Wuzhong District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province) around Lake Taihu in Suzhou, hence it is also known as “Dongting Biluochun.”
How much do you know about the proper brewing method for Biluochun?
1. Biluochun uses extremely tender buds and should not be brewed with boiling water, as this would destroy its fresh and crisp taste and unique floral and fruity aroma.
Instead, it's best brewed with purified water at around 80°C. More discerning enthusiasts insist on using mineral water from the original source in East Dongting Mountain, Suzhou.
2. There are many methods to brew tea, and Biluochun is brewed using the top-down method, where hot water is poured first, followed by the addition of tea leaves. This allows you to observe the spiraling descent of the leaves as they gradually unfurl.
3. Many teas require a “washing” step, where the first infusion is discarded. This step is not necessary for Biluochun.
The first infusion offers an intense aroma, the second is richly fragrant and refreshing, and the third is delicately elegant.
4. When brewing, avoid overfilling the vessel with water in each infusion; the saying goes “seven parts tea, eight parts liquor,” meaning don't drink all the tea before refilling.
Precautions when Drinking Biluochun Tea
How much Biluochun tea one should drink per day depends on individual consumption habits. Different groups of people may experience different effects from Drinking Tea. For example, those with cold stomachs should not drink tea on an empty stomach; pregnant women should not drink tea; those with severe arteriosclerosis, gastric ulcers, malnutrition, or anemia are not suitable for tea consumption, nor should those who are unwell, have a fever, or suffer from kidney stones. Most of the caffeine and other substances in Biluochun tea are metabolized by the liver, so if there is a liver condition, tea consumption should be reduced, especially for those in poor health. Drinking too much Biluochun tea may cause discomfort in the digestive system. A lighter infusion of Dongting Biluochun is recommended. After brewing, the tea has a clear, bright green color, with a fresh, sweet taste and a long-lasting aftertaste. Higher-grade Biluochun requires more leaf and a slightly longer brewing time, typically 3-5 minutes. Therefore, when drinking, it's best to savor the delicate and tender qualities of Dongting Biluochun and avoid overly strong infusions.
When drinking tea, it is best to choose high-quality Biluochun to ensure efficacy and safety. Diabetic patients should avoid drinking Biluochun tea, as there are certain restrictions for them. It is recommended that they refrain from drinking tea altogether. If consumed within a year or two, there may not be significant issues, but it is still advisable to reduce the amount. For brewing Biluochun tea, the top-down method is primarily used, where water is added first, followed by the tea leaves. The brewing time is relatively longer, which is suitable for older and younger shoots alike.