There are many stories about how this tea was named, but the important characteristics are the deep green color (Bi), the curled dried tea shape similar to a snail (Luo). In addition, this green tea must be harvested during the early spring (Chun), which results in its white feathery appearance.
Since this tea is picked so early in the spring the dry tea leaves are coated in small white ‘hairs’, which is customary for high end Bi Luo Chun, the fuzzy and very small leaves are characteristic for this tea. There are machines that can remove or reduce the fuzzy hair of the leaves, however traditional Bi Luo Chun contains no such method.
Green Snail Spring (Bi Luo Chun) Tea
Teaware: 12 oz. glass or porcelain pot
Amount: ½ Tbs of tea leaves
Water: 185°F filtered water
Infusion: First infusion at least 2 minutes. The leaves are good for 5 infusions. Add a little more time for each subsequent infusion.Green Tea