Organic Pi Lo Chun Green Tea

Pi Lo Chun green tea, also spelled Bi Luo Chun or biluochun, ranks among the most prestigious green teas in China. Its name evokes the "jade spirals of spring" — an image that captures perfectly its tiny, downy leaves, hand-rolled into tight coils.

We selected this cru for the refinement of its spring harvest and the elegance of its liquor. Grown organically, this exceptional infusion offers a rare sensory experience: each cup unveils a delicate floral veil, fruity notes and an almost creamy vegetal softness.

Explore our Chinese teas to continue your journey through this ancient tradition.

The aromatic profile of Pi Lo Chun

Bi Luo Chun is immediately distinctive to the eye: tiny pale green leaves covered in a fine silvery-white down, a hallmark of the earliest spring buds. Once rolled, they form those characteristic spirals that have made this tea so revered.

On the nose, the fragrance opens with an immediate floral freshness, where hints of white flowers and a delicate spring-like quality come through. The opening is light, almost airy.

At the heart, subtle fruity nuances unfold, evoking stone fruits and a gentle fresh-almond sweetness. The liquor, a lovely pale yellow with a faint green tint, has a velvety roundness on the palate.

On the finish, a gentle vegetal note asserts itself with the faintest herbaceous edge, no bitterness, followed by a long and soothing aftertaste. It is this aromatic persistence that sets a fine biluochun apart from the ordinary.

The ingredient list is refreshingly simple: organic Pi Lo Chun, and nothing else. The character of the cru speaks entirely for itself, carried only by the terroir and the care of hand-rolling. To continue exploring the great Chinese teas, our Lapsang Souchong selection offers a radically different, smoky counterpoint.

How to prepare Pi Lo Chun

This grand cru deserves a little care in preparation. Like all fine green leaves, it is sensitive to water that is too hot, which would scorch its aromas and bring out unwanted bitterness.

Water: use filtered or still spring water, low in minerals. Heat it to between 75 and 80°C. If you don't have a temperature-controlled kettle, bring the water to a gentle simmer, then let it rest for 3 to 4 minutes before pouring.

Dosage: use 12 to 15 grams per litre, roughly a heaped teaspoon for a 200 ml cup. The leaves will gracefully unfurl in the water, gradually releasing their silvery down.

Steeping time: 2 to 3 minutes is ideal for the first infusion. You can re-steep the leaves 2 to 3 times, extending the steeping time slightly with each pass — each one revealing a different facet of the cru.

Accessories: this cru lends itself beautifully to tasting in a clear glass, where you can admire the graceful "dance of the leaves" as they open. For a more classic approach, a porcelain or glass teapot preserves the aromatic delicacy perfectly. For those who enjoy a more ceremonial experience, our guide to choosing the ideal Chinese tea set will help you find the accessories best suited to this style of tea.

Savour this cup throughout the day, with full attention, to appreciate each shift in aroma as it evolves.

The recognised qualities of Pi Lo Chun

Like most lightly oxidised green teas, Bi Luo Chun is naturally rich in polyphenols, particularly catechins. According to the EFSA, green tea polyphenols contribute to the protection of blood lipids against oxidative stress when consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet.

The ANSES also notes that green tea is a valuable source of daily hydration, best enjoyed in moderation and between meals to support the absorption of non-haem iron.

Julien Huot, owner of Thés & Traditions, personally selects each cru from small producers, in a commitment to transparency and consistent quality.

Storing Pi Lo Chun

Fine green teas are the most delicate of all: they lose their aromas more quickly than black teas or pu-erh. Keep this cru in its original tin or in an airtight, opaque container, away from light, moisture, heat and strong odours such as spices or coffee.

To enjoy the full aromatic subtlety of Bi Luo Chun, ideally consume it within 6 to 12 months of opening. Avoid the refrigerator, as the moisture will damage the leaves. Packed in our own workshop, this cru reaches you as close to its original freshness as possible.

Frequently asked questions

What is Bi Luo Chun?
Bi Luo Chun, also spelled Pi Lo Chun or biluochun, is a celebrated Chinese green tea known for its fine, hand-rolled downy spirals. Harvested in spring, it produces a pale, clear liquor with delicate floral and fruity notes.

How do you prepare Bi Luo Chun?
Use low-mineral water heated to between 75 and 80°C. Allow 12 to 15 g of leaves per litre and steep for 2 to 3 minutes. The leaves hold up well to 2 to 3 successive infusions, each one revealing a new side of the cru.

What are the benefits of Bi Luo Chun?
Like all lightly oxidised green teas, it is naturally rich in polyphenols and catechins, which help protect cells against oxidative stress. It also contributes to daily hydration and provides a gentle alertness through its natural caffeine.

Where does Bi Luo Chun come from?
Bi Luo Chun is a Chinese grand cru, traditionally prized for the refinement of its spring harvests and its hand-rolling into tight spirals. Our selection is certified organic.

What does Bi Luo Chun taste like?
The cup opens with a floral profile, followed by delicate fruity notes evoking stone fruit and fresh almond. The finish is long and velvety, with a gentle vegetal signature and no bitterness when brewed correctly.