Recently, many people have been asking us about the deliciousness of Tieguanyin in beverage shops, especially Tieguanyin milk tea. What kind of tea is used for this Tieguanyin?
What is Tieguanyin?
Tieguanyin is a variety of tea, belonging to the small-leaf species. It is also a method of tea production, belonging to the oolong tea series of tea-making techniques. Compared to Dongding oolong tea and high mountain oolong tea, Tieguanyin involves an additional step called “pao bu bei” in its tea-making process. In summary, Tieguanyin is both a variety and a tea-making technique. Therefore, tea made from Tieguanyin tea trees and using the Tieguanyin tea-making technique is called “authentic Tieguanyin,” which is mostly produced in the Muzha tea area in Taipei.
What are the flavors of Tieguanyin?
Well-made Tieguanyin presents a deep amber-colored tea soup with a hint of citrus aroma. When tasted, it has a slight fruity acidity and leaves a comfortable sensation on the gums. Due to the additional “pao bu bei” step in Tieguanyin production, its flavor profile is heavier compared to other oolong teas, thus giving it a more robust taste. This is why it`s called Tieguanyin, although some may also refer to it as Dongding oolong. More accurately, the flavor profile should be described as more fitting for Tieguanyin.
What are the differences between Tieguanyin in beverage shops and premium Tieguanyin tea?
Authentic Tieguanyin, made from Tieguanyin tea trees and using the Tieguanyin tea-making technique, is expensive. Even Tieguanyin made from Jin Xuan tea trees commands a high price. Therefore, tea used in beverage shops with Tieguanyin flavor is priced and flavored for beverage making.
Tieguanyin is mainly produced in the Shimen and Muzha tea areas in Taiwan. There are also Tieguanyin tea tree plantations in the Lishan tea area, such as the Lishan Longjing tea produced by the Fushou Mountain Farm, which offers two types of tea leaves for selection, including Qingxin Oolong and Tieguanyin. If you have the opportunity to visit tea plantations, you will find Qingxin Oolong and Tieguanyin tea trees there.
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