Tieguanyin Oolong Tea - Premium

Tieguanyin Oolong Tea is produced in different areas of Anxi in Fujian province. The tea is named after the Chinese Goddess of Mercy Guanyin. Usually, "Tieguanyin" is translated as "Iron Bodhisattva Guanyin," but the character 铁 (Tie) means not only "iron" but also "strong, unshakable." And in this case, the one of the translations will be "Unshakeable Bodhisattva Guanyin." Thus, we have the next meaning: Unshakeable, strong and solid as iron, the will of Bodhisattva Guanyin to liberate all beings from suffering.

If you'd like to know what drinking this tea is like, you can read this: Tieguanyin - The Aroma of a Blossoming Garden.

More about Tieguanyin and its production.

One of the legends says that there was a scholar named Wang who accidentally discovered the tea plant beneath the Guanyin rock in Xiping. He brought the plant back home for cultivation. When he visited Emperor Qianlong in the 6th year of his reign, he presented tea as a gift from his home village. The emperor was so impressed that he asked about its origin. Since the tea was discovered beneath the Guanyin Rock, he decided to call it the Guanyin tea.

The Elite grade of Tieguanyin tea is ranked among the most expensive tea in the world. The variety of Tieguanyin tea was sold for around $3000 per kilogram (about 2 lb).

Characteristics:

- Origin: Tieguanyin Oolong Tea originates from the Fujian Province of China, specifically the Anxi County. It is one of the most famous and revered oolong teas in China.
- Leaf Appearance: The leaves of Tieguanyin are tightly rolled into small, dense balls or pellets, which unfurl as they steep.
- Processing Style: Tieguanyin undergoes a complex processing method that includes withering, oxidation, shaping, and roasting. The degree of oxidation can vary, resulting in different styles ranging from lightly oxidized (green) to heavily oxidized (dark).

Flavor and Aroma:

- Flavor: Tieguanyin oolong tea is prized for its floral and orchid-like aroma, accompanied by a smooth and complex flavor profile. Depending on the oxidation level, it can range from buttery and creamy with vegetal notes in lightly oxidized versions, to rich, roasted, and caramelized in more heavily oxidized varieties.
- Aroma: The aroma is intensely floral, often likened to fresh orchids or lilacs, with a hint of creamy sweetness.

Tasting Notes:

- Lightly Oxidized Tieguanyin: Offers a fresh, floral taste with a buttery mouthfeel and a lingering sweetness.
- Moderately Oxidized Tieguanyin: Develops a more balanced flavor with floral notes complemented by a subtle fruitiness and a velvety texture.
- Heavily Oxidized Tieguanyin: Exhibits deeper flavors of roasted nuts, caramel, and a pronounced mineral undertone.

Processing:

- Plucking: Leaves are plucked by hand, typically in spring or autumn, with the most prized harvest being the spring "first flush."
- Withering: The leaves are spread out to wither, reducing their moisture content.
- Oxidation: Depending on the desired style, the leaves are oxidized to varying degrees, which is crucial in determining the final flavor profile.
- Shaping: The oxidized leaves are rolled tightly into small, dense balls or twisted into tight strips.
- Roasting: Some Tieguanyin teas undergo a final roasting process to enhance flavors and aromas.

Cultivation and Harvest:

- Tieguanyin tea is traditionally grown in the mountainous regions of Anxi County in Fujian Province, where the unique terroir contributes to its distinctive flavor and aroma.
- The tea bushes are cultivated at elevations that vary, but generally around 500-800 meters above sea level.

Appearance:

- Dry Tieguanyin leaves are tightly rolled into small, dense balls or twisted into compact strips. The color ranges from dark green to greenish-black, depending on oxidation level.
- When brewed, Tieguanyin tea leaves unfurl to reveal whole leaves and buds, and the liquor ranges from pale yellow-green to golden amber.

Health Benefits:

- Tieguanyin oolong tea contains antioxidants such as catechins and polyphenols, which may contribute to various health benefits including supporting heart health, aiding digestion, and boosting metabolism.
- It also contains caffeine, providing a moderate energy boost.

Brewing Tips:

Chinese Gongfu Method (5oz / 150ml):

1. Tea Leaf-to-Water Ratio: Use approximately 5-7 grams of Tieguanyin Oolong Tea for 150 ml (5 oz) of water. This ratio allows for a higher concentration suitable for Gongfu brewing.

2. Water Temperature: Heat water to around 90-95°C (194-203°F). It's important not to use boiling water to avoid scalding the delicate oolong leaves and to preserve the tea's nuanced flavors.

3. Brewing Time:
   - First Infusion: Steep for about 20-30 seconds initially. This short steeping time allows the tightly rolled Tieguanyin leaves to start unfurling and releasing their flavors gradually without becoming too bitter.
   - Subsequent Infusions: Increase the steeping time slightly for each subsequent infusion. For example, steep for 30-40 seconds for the second infusion, then adjust based on taste preference. Tieguanyin Oolong Tea can typically be steeped multiple times (3-5 infusions or more) using Gongfu brewing, with each infusion offering different layers of flavor and aroma.

Cup Method (8.8oz / 250ml):

1. Tea Leaf-to-Water Ratio: Adjust based on personal preference for tea strength. 

2. Water Temperature: Use water at around 90-95°C (194-203°F), similar to Gongfu brewing.

3. Brewing Time:
   - Steep Time: Steep Tieguanyin Oolong Tea for 2-3 minutes. This longer steeping time allows the flavors to fully develop in the larger volume of water, resulting in a balanced infusion of the tea's floral and fruity notes.

Cultural Significance:

- Tieguanyin Oolong Tea holds a revered status in Chinese tea culture, often regarded as a symbol of elegance and refinement.
- It is associated with traditional tea ceremonies and is often gifted as a gesture of respect or goodwill.
- Tieguanyin tea competitions are held annually in Anxi County to assess the quality of different harvests, highlighting its cultural importance and craftsmanship.

In summary, Tieguanyin Oolong Tea is celebrated for its floral aroma, complex flavor profile, and cultural significance within Chinese tea culture. Its meticulous processing and distinct characteristics make it a beloved choice among tea enthusiasts worldwide.

• Collected: 2024
• Origin: Anxi in Fujian province, China
• Taste: Refreshing taste with floral and creamy notes