Mengding Ganlu and Biluochun are both renowned Chinese teas, classified as curled green teas, known for their fragrant and sweet taste along with unique appearances. But do you know the differences between them? If you're a tea enthusiast or wish to learn more about tea, then this article is for you. Today, we reveal the five major differences between Mengding Ganlu and Biluochun, allowing you to distinguish between these two teas effortlessly.
1. Different Origins
Mengding Ganlu originates from Mount Meng in Ya'an City, Sichuan Province, recognized as one of China's top ten famous teas and a geographical indication product. Mount Meng, one of China's four famous tea-producing regions, is also a geographical indication product. The altitude ranges from 800 to 1500 meters, with a mild climate, abundant rainfall, and fertile soil. Tea plants grow on mist-covered slopes, influenced by natural conditions such as sunlight, temperature, and humidity, which contribute to its unique quality and flavor.
Biluochun hails from Dongting Mountain near Taihu Lake in Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, also listed among China's top ten famous teas and a geographical indication product. Dongting Mountain, located beside Taihu Lake, has an altitude ranging from 200 to 300 meters and is surrounded by orchards. Tea plants are interplanted with fruit trees, absorbing the fragrance of flowers and forming a unique floral and fruity aroma. Dongting Mountain produces two types of tea: East Mountain and West Mountain, with East Mountain being of higher quality and commanding a higher price.
2. Different Tree Varieties
The tree varieties used for Mengding Ganlu primarily include local Sichuan strains, Ming Shan 131, Ming Shan 311, as well as some introduced strains like Fuding Dahao and Fujian No.9. These strains belong to medium (slightly small) leaf types, with relatively robust buds and leaves, suitable for curling into shape.
The tree variety for Biluochun is mainly the small-leaf type native to Suzhou, with some introduced strains like Fuding Dahao. The small-leaf type has finer and tenderer buds and leaves, suitable for light kneading and stir-frying, preserving the tender green color and white down of the tea leaves.
3. Different Processing Techniques
Mengding Ganlu employs a three-stir-fry, three-knead technique, involving three rounds of kneading during the stir-frying process. This results in a cell damage rate of 65%, releasing more polyphenols, caffeine, and other substances, enhancing the aroma and taste of the tea. The kneading degree for Mengding Ganlu is heavier, and the curling degree is greater, resulting in slender, fine, compact, and uniform strands.
Biluochun uses a one-stir-fry, one-knead technique, involving only one round of kneading during the stir-frying process. This leads to a lower cell damage rate, retaining more amino acids and theanine, adding sweetness and freshness to the tea. The kneading degree for Biluochun is lighter, and the curling degree is smaller, presenting a delicate, uniform, and rounded shape that resembles snail shells.
4. Different Aroma Types
The primary aroma type of Mengding Ganlu is fresh and elegant, with the scent of young shoots. Sometimes it may carry a hint of fruity or orchid fragrance. The fresh aroma of Mengding Ganlu is due to the tea plants growing in high-altitude mountainous areas, nourished by mist, with higher amino acid content in the leaves. During the stir-frying process, multiple rounds of kneading enhance the aroma of the tea.
The primary aroma type of Biluochun is floral and fruity, with rich scents of osmanthus, plum, peach, apricot, and orange blossoms. The floral and fruity aroma of Biluochun comes from the interplanting of tea and fruit trees, where the tea absorbs the fragrance of flowers. The light kneading and stir-frying during processing make the aroma of the tea even more fragrant and fresh.
5. Different Prices
The prices of Mengding Ganlu and Biluochun are determined based on factors such as grade, quality, and yield. Generally, Biluochun of the same grade is slightly more expensive than Mengding Ganlu. This is because the production area of Biluochun is smaller, leading to lower yields. Additionally, the picking period for Biluochun is shorter, typically lasting only about a month in spring, resulting in a limited market supply and higher prices. In contrast, the production area of Mengding Ganlu is larger, yielding higher volumes. Picking occurs over three seasons—spring, summer, and autumn—resulting in a larger market supply and lower prices.