Tieguanyin Tea originates from Anxi County in Fujian Province and belongs to the oolong tea category. It is one of the most iconic oolong teas in China. Due to its exceptional quality, Tieguanyin tea quickly spread throughout China and even to Taiwan and Southeast Asia, where it began to be cultivated and produced.
The History of Tieguanyin Tea
Anxi County in Fujian Province is often referred to as China’s “Tea Capital,” with a tea cultivation history of over 500 years. By the 18th century, the county had already documented many tea tree varieties and production methods, with Tieguanyin standing out as the most renowned. Tieguanyin refers not only to a tea tree variety but also to a specific method of oolong tea production, characterized by moderate oxidation and heavy roasting. The finest Tieguanyin tea is known for its unique aroma, called “Guanyin Yun” (Guanyin Charm).
The Origin and Legend of Tieguanyin
According to legend, an old farmer received a vision from Guanyin Bodhisattva in a dream, guiding him to discover a special tea tree. When the tea leaves were processed, their fragrance and texture were as strong and dense as iron. Since the tea was a gift from Guanyin Bodhisattva, it was named “Tieguanyin,” where “Tie” means iron and “Guanyin” refers to the Bodhisattva.
Production Process
The harvesting of Anxi Tieguanyin tea occurs in four distinct seasons: spring tea (mid-April to early May), summer tea (late June to early July), second summer tea (early to late August), and autumn tea (late September to early October). Among these, spring tea is considered the highest quality, followed by autumn tea, with summer tea being of comparatively lower quality.
During harvest, only tender buds with two or three leaves are selected, ensuring no damage to the leaves and excluding old leaves and stems. Harvesting is avoided in rainy conditions. The tea buds are processed based on the time of day—morning, noon, and evening—with noon-harvested leaves yielding the best quality. The intricate production process includes sun withering, stir-frying, rolling, first roasting, second roasting, second rolling, and a final light roasting to remove stems. This meticulous process is quite complex.
Taste and Appearance of Tieguanyin Tea
Premium Tieguanyin tea should have a rich, thick texture akin to iron, with a golden and clear tea liquor. It offers a sweet, honey-like flavor with a lingering aftertaste. The leaves are tightly curled, reflecting the high quality of the tea.