Green Snail Spring (Bi Luo Chun)

Harvest date Spring 2018. A sweet & vegetal flavor green tea that comes out early in the harvest. This lot is pre-Qing Ming - picked as the weather warmed in late March into first days of April. The leaf is a crisp green color, lightly curled and sprinkled with white buds. This is our harvest or select grade Bi Luo Chun. It offers a greener leaf appearance and a wonderful herbaceous taste. An excellent value tea that captures a taste of spring in a sweet, relaxing cup.

Why we selected this lot. This lot was harvested in one of the first plucks of the season which typically means nuances in the tea’s taste. We noted the fresh appearance of the leaves and, with steeping, rich vegetal flavors come through. Its flavors are brisk and clean. Given the timing of the pluck and the fresh tastes of the tea, mineral content and antioxidants should be high.

Facts about this lot. Tea was grown in Fujian Province, in the mountains along the coast. Lot is harvested and in 1-2 days is in the market and available for tasting. This style of BLC is commonly consumed as an everyday green tea. It is basket or pan-fired accentuating the varietal’s rich tastes. This type of processing is known to heighten the flavors of the leaf. This lot was harvested in the first week of April 2018 and is pre-Qing Ming tea.

Tasting notes. These select leaves are basket or pan fired locking in and accentuating fresh and sweet, soft fruity flavors this varietal offers. We find hints of apricot, vegetal notes that are sweet with no astringency. The flavor is soft and warming.

Brewing suggestions. Three to 4 grams of leaf for 8-12 ounces of water at a temperature of 185-195 degrees F should result in a flavorful cup or pot. Steep time is best at 2 minutes and taste. It can be steeped for 3-plus minutes while maintaining a sweet-side flavor. The leaves will yield multiple steeps.