Biluochun Green Tea (Green Snail Spring) — Bulk from Taihu, Jiangsu
Biluochun (碧螺春, “Green Snail Spring”) is the most delicate of China’s famous green teas, grown around Dongting Mountain on Taihu Lake, Suzhou. Tiny, tightly curled spiral buds covered in silver down, with a famous fruity-floral aroma — the bushes grow between peach, plum and apricot orchards. Hand-picked and hand-pan-fired; we supply Special and Grade 1 lots with nitrogen-flush packing and EU MRL testing.
Product Specification
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| English name | Biluochun Green Tea (Pi Lo Chun / Green Snail Spring) |
| Chinese name | 碧螺春 (洞庭碧螺春) |
| Category | Green tea (curl style), GB/T 18957 |
| Origin | Dongting Mountain, Taihu Lake, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China |
| Harvest | Early spring, one bud one leaf, hand picked & pan fired |
| Main markets | Europe, Japan, North America, premium tea retail |
| Minimum order | 200 kg per grade |
Grades & Styles — How to Choose
| Grade / Style | Grade & style | How to identify |
|---|---|---|
| Special grade | One bud, early March, Dongting core | Dense silver down, tight snail curls, intense fruity aroma |
| Grade 1 | One bud one leaf, mid March | Good curl shape, fresh floral cup, better value |
| Zhejiang style | Same craft, Zhejiang leaf | Similar look, softer aroma, entry-level pricing |
Liquor: pale yellow-green, clear | Aroma: ripe fruit (peach/apricot), white flowers | Taste: fresh, tender, sweet with no bitterness
Buyer checklist: authentic Dongting Biluochun is scarce and priced accordingly — many export lots are Zhejiang-grown “same craft” product. We declare origin honestly and can supply both tiers. Down coverage and curl tightness are the quality tells.
Technical Parameters (per lot COA supplied)
| Parameter | Specification | Method / Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture | ≤ 6.5% | GB 5009.3 |
| Total ash | ≤ 7.0% | GB 5009.4 |
| Tea dust / powder | ≤ 1.5% | Sieve test |
| Water extract | ≥ 32–36% | GB/T 8305 |
| Tea polyphenols | ≥ 15–20% | GB/T 8313 |
| Pesticide residue | EU MRL (EC 396/2005) compliant | SGS / Intertek per lot |
Packing & Supply Terms
- 5 kg aluminum-foil laminated bags with nitrogen flush, 4 bags per export carton
- Refrigerated (-5 ℃ to 5 ℃) storage to preserve aroma and color
- Container loading: 20GP ≈ 9–11 MT, 40GP ≈ 17–19 MT
- Lead time: spring crop pre-booking 15–30 days; stock 7 days
- Payment: T/T (30/70) or L/C at sight; FOB Shanghai / Ningbo
Certifications & Export Documents
Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin (CO / Form A / RCEP as applicable), Phytosanitary Certificate, per-lot COA (moisture, ash, pesticide residue EU MRL Reg. EC 396/2005), Health Certificate. Halal certificate available for Islamic markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Biluochun called “Green Snail Spring”?
The leaves are rolled into tight little spirals resembling snail shells (snail = luo 螺), picked in early spring (chun 春). The English trade name “Green Snail Spring” comes from this appearance.
Dongting vs Zhejiang Biluochun — which should I buy?
Dongting core-origin has the famous fruity aroma from orchard intercropping and commands a premium. Zhejiang craft-made Biluochun looks similar and suits price-driven programs. We supply both with honest origin labels.
How do I brew Biluochun without scalding the buds?
Use 75–80 ℃ water and place the tea in the glass before pouring — the classic “upper throw” method lets the curls sink slowly.
How is it packed for export?
5 kg nitrogen-flushed foil bags in cartons, cold-stored. Retail pouches (50–100 g) available from 200 kg.
What is the shelf life?
18 months sealed and chilled; aroma is best within 9 months of harvest. We recommend annual fresh-crop restocking.
Request a Quote
Contact Smileaf Tea (Xiamen, China) for FOB prices, free samples (50–200 g, courier collect) and OEM/private-label solutions. Related products: Longjing (Dragon Well), Chunmee 41005, Green Tea Guide