Cuiluan Oolong Tea is produced in the Cuiluan Tribe of Ren’ai Township, Nantou County, and is favored by tea enthusiasts for its unique growing environment and exceptional quality. The tea gardens are situated at altitudes ranging from 1,400 to 2,050 meters, along the Ruiyan River and the Lixing Industrial Road, neighboring renowned tea areas like Huagang and Malieba. This high mountain tea garden, with its superior natural conditions and rich, pristine forest soil, cultivates premium oolong tea, making it one of Taiwan’s finest teas.
Characteristics and Advantages of Cuiluan Oolong Tea
The environment of the Cuiluan tea area contributes to its outstanding quality. The high altitude and valley terrain ensure that the tea leaves grow in ample sunlight and fresh air, resulting in Cuiluan High Mountain Oolong Tea’s refreshing and mellow taste with a unique floral and fruity aroma, which is well-loved by consumers. Although its altitude is not as high as the Huagang tea area, the yield of Cuiluan tea is very high and its quality is stable, often being packaged and sold as higher-priced teas like Huagang Oolong Tea, Dayuling Tea, or Fushou Lishan Oolong Tea. This is one of the reasons for its relatively low recognition.
Despite its excellent quality, there are some challenges in the tea-making process of Cuiluan High Mountain Oolong Tea. Differences in tea garden management and fertilizer quality result in varying product quality, especially between lower and higher altitude tea gardens. Since many local tea gardens are leased, contract renewals can make it difficult to maintain consistent quality from the same tea gardens. Additionally, there are many vegetable gardens in the Cuiluan area, and the cultivation of these gardens near tea plantations can pose a risk of pesticide contamination, which consumers need to be particularly mindful of when purchasing.
Evaluation of Cuiluan High Mountain Oolong Tea
Cuiluan High Mountain Oolong Tea is highly regarded overall. The excellent high mountain environment and abundant sunlight allow the tea leaves to absorb the essence of the mountains, resulting in a fragrant and sweet taste. The tea is especially smooth to drink, with a light floral and fruity aroma. Tea gardens that use organic fertilizers, are at high altitudes, harvest tender tea leaves, and pick on sunny days essentially guarantee good tea quality.