Taiwan’s Oolong Tea

Lhasha Tizer — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 22:30:00 -0800

Taiwan, formerly known as Formosa, translates as “beautiful island” which it most surely is. A sub tropical gem south of Japan and mainland China it has a climate which lends itself naturally to the cultivation of fine tea. The central mountains form the backbone of terrain where gracious hillsides are terraced with stands of camellia senensis and assamica. Lush, emerald greenfoliage adorns the mountain slopes and embraces the tea plants in their forested homes.

The world’s most treasured jade green oolongs grow high up on these slopes, prized for their unique, floral fragrance, lingering, smooth aftertaste and distinct appearance; tightly semi-rolled balls from whole, hand-picked leaves. The higher up on the mountain the more valuable the tea. Teas with names such as Ali Shan and Tung Ting, partially oxidized tea (15%-30%), are served by tea farmers to domestic and international tourists in a large living room style section of their home on tables made from the roots of giant Cypress trees. These amazing tables hold tea trays that water can be poured liberally over to purify, warm, and infuse small tea cups, a large gaiwan and tea leaves. The gaiwan is filled between a third to half full with the leaves and allowed to steep about one minute. Infusion after infusion is sipped and enjoyed in this manner allowing each person to smell, taste, and watch the tea transform. This process invites us to both enjoy and determine which tea suits you best and then to purchase. If you get the chance try some of these oolongs the next time you go to the Tea Grotto or ask the friendly folks there to order some if they are not in stock! These are some of my favorite teas in the world. I hand carried a gift if Ali Shan back from taiwan and had to learn to brew it right and now It is one of my favorite brews.

Lhasha Tizer
co-author Tea Here Now
http://www.teaherenow.com

Tea Grotto Blog: Taiwan’s Oolong Tea

Taiwan’s Oolong Tea