Tea Knowledge: Bailu Tea—A Sweet Autumn Gift from Heaven and Earth

The arrival of Bailu tea signifies the perfect time to pick Bailu tea.

I wonder if tea lovers have ever heard the saying: "Spring tea is bitter, summer tea is astringent; the best tea to drink is during the Bailu season."

So, what is so captivating about Bailu tea? Why is it so popular?

◆ What is "Bailu Tea"?

Bailu tea is not a single type of tea; it is a general term for tea harvested during the Bailu season (usually from late August to early September), encompassing various varieties, including white, oolong, and black tea.

During the Bailu season, temperatures drop, and the temperature difference between day and night is large. This causes a large accumulation of tea polysaccharides and pectin in the tea leaves, while the content of green tea polyphenols and caffeine decreases, giving Bailu tea its unique sweet taste.

◆ The unique charm of Bailu Tea

01. Sweet and mellow taste

The dramatic temperature swing between day and night locks in the tea's sweetness. With one sip, you can clearly feel the tea's consistency and pectin-like texture. The flavor is mellow, with minimal bitterness and a noticeable aftertaste.

02. Rich aroma

Tea picked at this time is rich in essential nutrients, resulting in oolong teas, white teas, and other teas with a unique "autumn fragrance"—perhaps a ripe floral aroma, sweet fruity notes, or a calming, grainy aroma, all layered and complex.

03. High infusion tolerance

The leaves are relatively coarse and old, rich in essential nutrients, making Bailu tea very infusible, often retaining its fragrance even after seven or eight infusions.

◆ Which teas are commonly used to make Bailu tea?

01. White tea

The period from the Beginning of Autumn to the Cold Dew season is the critical period for harvesting autumn white teas. Autumn Shoumei is a typical example of "Bailu tea." Its broad leaves and sturdy stems, with a green-brown hue, resemble a vivid autumn landscape. After brewing, the tea is a translucent golden yellow, with a rich, sweet, and lingering flavor.

02. Tieguanyin

There's a saying about Tieguanyin: "Spring tea seeks fragrance, while autumn tea seeks charm." Tieguanyin brewed during the White Dew season is considered the finest "Autumn Guanyin," with a more pronounced "Guanyin charm" than spring tea, making it the "flavor leader" of the White Dew oolong tea category.

As the cooler air sets in, why not brew a cup of warm White Dew tea and feel the unique "autumn fragrance" permeating your palate? It warms your body and soul.