The Legend of Biluochun Tea: A Story of Love and Immortality
Bi Luo Chun (Chinese: 碧螺春, pinyin: bìluóchūn, literally "emerald spiral of spring") is one of the most famous and revered varieties of green tea in China. Its name perfectly reflects its appearance: young tea leaves twisted into spirals of a delicate emerald color. This tea is famous for its exquisite aroma, reminiscent of fresh fruits and flowers, and a soft, refreshing taste.
Biluochun is not just a tea, it is a legend shrouded in romance and mystery. Its history goes back to ancient times, when people believed in the magical power of nature and the power of human feelings. Legend has it that Biluochun tea was created thanks to the love and self-sacrifice of a young girl. Her story, full of romance and tragedy, has become an integral part of China's cultural heritage.
A story of love and sacrifice
Long ago, on the western mountain Dongting lived a girl named Biluo, and on the eastern mountain Dongting lived a young man named Axiang. They loved each other deeply. One day, an evil and cruel dragon appeared in Lake Taihu and threatened to kidnap the girl Biluo. Axiang decided to fight the dragon to the end. One night, he took a harpoon in his hands, went to the western mountain Dongting and fought the dragon. They fought for seven days and seven nights, until both of them were exhausted and Axiang fell unconscious in a pool of blood. The girl Biluo, in order to thank Axiang for saving her, began to look after him herself. But Axiang's wounds were getting worse. One day, while looking for medicinal herbs, the girl came to the place where Axiang had fought with the dragon and suddenly saw a small tea tree that was growing especially well. She thought, "This is evidence of Axiang's fight with the dragon, it needs to be grown."
By the time Qingming (清明, Qīngmíng) began, the tea tree had sprouted tender green shoots. Biluo picked some of the young shoots, brought them home and brewed tea for Asian. Strangely enough, Asian gradually recovered after drinking the tea. Asian was saved and the heavy weight on Asian's heart was lifted. Asian was enjoying the happiness of love, Biluo's body could no longer bear it and she fell into Asian's arms, never opening her eyes again. Overcome with grief, Asian buried the girl next to the tea tree on Mount Dongting. From then on, he carefully cultivated the tea tree and produced the famous tea from it. "And the beautiful tea was always like a beautiful woman." To honor the memory of Biluo's girl, people named this expensive tea "Bilochun".
Symbolism of Biluochun tea
Biluochun tea is not just a drink, it is a symbol of love, self-sacrifice and immortality. Its aroma and taste remind us that true love is capable of miracles.
- The green color of tea symbolizes life, youth and hope.
- The spiral shape of the curled leaves is associated with infinity and the cyclical nature of life.
- The aroma of tea is filled with notes of freshness and sweetness, which reflects the purity and tenderness of feelings.
Manufacturing process
The production of Biluochun is a true art, requiring special skills and knowledge. The tea leaves are picked by hand, in early spring, when the young shoots reach the ideal degree of maturity. Pickers collect only the most tender buds and the first two unfolded leaves.
After collection, tea leaves undergo special processing, which includes:
- Fixation: Rapid heating to prevent oxidation and maintain fresh green color.
- Twisting: The delicate leaves are hand-twisted to create their characteristic spiral shape.
- Drying: slow drying at low temperatures allows to preserve all the useful substances and aroma of tea.
Taste and aroma
Biluochun has a rich and complex taste, which combines notes of freshness, sweetness and slight bitterness. The aroma of the tea resembles spring flowers, fruits and nuts. The infusion has a delicate green color and is transparent.
To fully reveal the aroma and taste of Biluochun, it is recommended to use water at a temperature of about 80°C. The tea is brewed in a porcelain teapot, using a small amount of tea per brew. The brewing time may vary depending on personal preference.
Properties and Health Benefits
Like many other varieties of green tea, Biluochun has a number of beneficial properties:
- Antioxidant: Rich in antioxidants that help protect the body's cells from damage.
- Toning: increases energy levels and improves concentration.
- Improves digestion: helps normalize digestion and metabolism.
- Strengthens the immune system: helps the body fight infections.
Bilochun today
Today Biluochun is one of the most famous and valuable varieties of green tea in the world. It is extremely popular among tea connoisseurs. Each cup of this drink is a small journey into the world of ancient legends and romantic stories.
The love story of Asyan and Bilo is not just a beautiful fairy tale. It is a reminder that even in the most difficult times, love can become a source of strength and inspiration. The legend of Bilochun tea lives on and inspires people around the world.
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