A Tea Cup Dropped

This Bi Luo Chun tea, considered one of China's 10 most popular teas, has a robust flavor and smell that seems to fall half way between a Dragon Well and a Maojian. The tea liquid is a pale yellow color. The taste is mildy astringent, roasted, fruity almost for a green. Aftertaste is similar, lingering. The fragrance is wonderful. This is truly a green tea you could drink every day, looking forward to it in the morning. Also an excellent digestive tea for after a heavy meal.

Also known as "Astounding fragrance", this tea has origins in the Zhejiang province of mainland China. As the story goes, Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty was served this tea and, liking it, asked its name. When told "Astounding fragrance", he felt let down. So he gave it a name he feld more befitted its fine quality -- "Bi Luo Chun", literally, "Green Snail Spring" in Chinese. (Apparently because the dry green leaves, rolled length wise and somewhat curling, appear like little green snails in their shells.)

Brewed color: Pale yellow. Flavor: Robust, roasted, slightly astringent. Aftertaste: Roasted, slightly astringent. Preparation: For best results, use spring or mineral water just before it comes to a boil. Provides 2-3 quality infusions (4-5 if prepared gongfu style).

Classification: Green tea. Classified among China's 10 top most popular. Package Size: 75 grams (2.65 ounces). Grade: Medium. Picking Method: Machine.