When it comes to tea, many people are familiar with two renowned varieties: Longjing Tea (also known as Dragon Well Tea) and Biluochun Tea. Both are celebrated green teas, but which one is better? Longjing and Biluochun are both green teas, but they have distinct flavors, characteristics, and nutritional values. So, which tea should you choose?
1. Different Raw Materials
Longjing Tea is made from one bud with one or two leaves harvested in the spring. In contrast, Biluochun uses the young bud and two leaves from early spring as its primary raw material. Therefore, from the perspective of raw materials, Biluochun is considered superior to Longjing.
Biluochun tea plants are typically cultivated in high-altitude regions with specific requirements for low temperatures and humidity. Longjing, on the other hand, is more versatile in terms of plant varieties, ranging from low to high yield.
Both Longjing and Biluochun belong to the green tea category, but their distinct raw materials make them unique.
2. Different Production Processes
Longjing and Biluochun also differ in their production processes. Longjing tea is produced using the pan-frying method, which involves low-temperature roasting after the initial tea leaves are processed. The temperature for pan-frying ranges from 130-150 degrees Celsius, with a duration of 3-5 minutes. This method is employed to preserve the tea’s fragrance, requiring a gentle and slow roasting process.
Conversely, Biluochun uses a traditional, manual crafting technique for producing green tea. The production of Biluochun involves multiple stages, including picking, withering, fixing, shaping, and drying. Only through low-temperature drying can Biluochun’s unique flavor be achieved. High-temperature processing would result in a bitter taste. Therefore, the production process for Biluochun is more complex than that of Longjing.
3. Different Flavors
Longjing and Biluochun both enjoy high prestige as famous teas, but they offer distinct flavors. Longjing is known for its nutty undertones and a fresh, delicate taste. It also possesses refreshing qualities, such as thirst-quenching, refreshing the mind, clearing heat, and relieving summer heat. Longjing tea is nutritionally rich, containing various vitamins and amino acids, which offer numerous health benefits.
Biluochun, on the other hand, boasts a floral and fruity fragrance, with a refreshing, mellow taste. After brewing, Biluochun emits a delightful aroma. It contains various amino acids, polyphenols, and other nutrients, contributing to its antioxidant, blood pressure-lowering, lipid-reducing, and immune-boosting properties.
From a taste and aroma perspective, both Longjing and Biluochun are highly esteemed. The choice between them comes down to personal preference.
4. Different Nutritional Content
Longjing and Biluochun significantly differ in their nutritional content. Longjing tea has higher caffeine levels, offering stimulating effects on the body. This is why it’s often recommended for those who prefer a strong tea. Additionally, Longjing contains multiple catechins and polyphenols that serve as antioxidants.
Biluochun, on the other hand, is rich in amino acids, vitamins, and various other nutrients. It provides a mild caffeine boost while enhancing alertness and focus. This green tea is also known for its potential to aid weight loss by reducing blood lipids.
Considering taste and nutritional content, Longjing is a fantastic tea, and Biluochun, being a green tea, may have a relatively bitter taste due to its high polyphenol content.
In conclusion, choosing between Longjing and Biluochun ultimately depends on personal preferences. Both teas have their unique characteristics, flavors, and health benefits. You can select the one that aligns with your taste and nutritional requirements. Whether you prefer the delicate freshness of Longjing or the mellow complexity of Biluochun, both of these renowned Chinese green teas offer an exceptional tea-drinking experience.
