In the pantheon of Chinese green teas, West Lake Longjing Tea and Bi Luo Chun Green Tea stand as two of the most esteemed, each offering a unique reflection of China's rich tea heritage. This article delves into the contrasting histories, cultivation techniques, and cultural significance of these two famous teas, revealing why they are so revered and how they differ in taste and production.
West Lake Longjing Tea, often simply called Longjing, has its roots in the picturesque West Lake region of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. It boasts a history that dates back over a thousand years, reaching its peak acclaim during the Qing Dynasty when it was designated as an Imperial tea. The legend of Emperor Qianlong visiting the tea gardens and being so captivated by the tea that he knighted the bushes is a beloved story among tea enthusiasts.Bi Luo Chun Green Tea is cultivated in the Dongting Mountain area near Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. Its history is equally storied, originally known as Xia Sha Ren Xiang ("Scary Fragrance") due to its powerfully sweet aroma. Renamed Bi Luo Chun by a Qing Dynasty emperor, which translates to "Green Snail Spring," it refers to the tea's tightly rolled leaves that resemble snail shells.
The cultivation of West Lake Longjing Tea involves specific conditions that are unique to the West Lake area. The tea is hand-picked in early spring, and only the tenderest shoots are selected. It is immediately pan-fired, a process that halts oxidation and seals in the flavor, characterized by its flat, smooth appearance and jade green color.Bi Luo Chun Green Tea, on the other hand, is known for its delicate and small leaves that are also picked early in the spring. The tea bushes are interplanted with fruit trees, which is believed to infuse the tea leaves with fruity notes, adding complexity to its aroma. The production process is meticulous, involving hand-rolling the leaves into tight spirals that slowly unfurl upon brewing.
West Lake Longjing Tea is more than just a beverage in China; it is a cultural icon, often served during important government functions and to high-profile dignitaries. Its status as a symbol of prestige and its ties to historical legends give it a revered place in Chinese society.
Bi Luo Chun Green Tea enjoys a beloved status particularly in Eastern China. It is celebrated for its beautiful appearance and exquisite taste and is a highlight of local festivals, particularly in Suzhou where it is a major part of the cultural and economic landscape.
West Lake Longjing Tea is celebrated for its clean, sweet flavor with notes of chestnut and a subtle vegetal quality. Its aroma is refreshingly grassy, and its taste lingers pleasantly in the mouth, a hallmark of its high quality.Bi Luo Chun Green Tea offers a slightly different sensory experience. It is renowned for its strong floral and fruity aroma, a result of the unique co-planting with fruit trees. The flavor is rich yet delicate, with a layered sweetness and a hint of nuttiness, making it a complex and rewarding tea to savor.
Both West Lake Longjing and Bi Luo Chun are pillars of the Chinese green tea tradition, each representing the pinnacle of tea cultivation and artisanal crafting. Whether one prefers the refined, smooth qualities of Longjing or the aromatic, intricate layers of Bi Luo Chun, both teas offer a rich taste of China’s tea culture, steeped in history and natural beauty. Each sip is a journey through the time-honored landscapes from which these teas originate, offering tea lovers around the world a profound appreciation of the art of Chinese tea making.