180g Tie Guan Yin Oolong Tea Organic Green Tea Bagged Chinese Green Tea Bagged

Tieguanyin Oolong Tea – The Iron Goddess of Mercy

Product Overview

Named after the Chinese Buddhist deity Guanyin, Tieguanyin (Iron Goddess of Mercy) is one of China's most famous and beloved oolong teas. Originating from Anxi County in Fujian Province, this tea has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. What sets Tieguanyin apart is its remarkable versatility—depending on the roasting and oxidation level, it can range from a light, floral, and refreshing cup to a deeper, roasted, and more complex brew. Our offering represents the classic traditional style, celebrated for its intoxicating aroma and lingering sweet aftertaste.

Tea Characteristics

• Appearance: The dry leaves are tightly rolled into small, heavy, spherical pellets that are dark green to olive in color. When brewed, these pellets slowly unfurl into large,完整 leaves, revealing their high quality. The leaves have a distinctive "leaf core surrounded by a red edge," a hallmark of the traditional oolong production process.

• Aroma: The fragrance is intensely captivating. You will be greeted with a powerful, floral aroma—often compared to orchids, osmanthus, or lilacs. There is also a characteristic green, vegetal freshness balanced by a slight hint of roasted warmth, creating a complex and layered scent profile.

• Flavor & Liquor: The brewed tea produces a bright, clear, golden-yellow to pale amber liquor. The taste is incredibly smooth, full-bodied, and well-balanced, with a lingering sweetness. You'll experience a beautiful interplay of floral notes, a touch of honey, and a creamy, buttery mouthfeel. The tea is known for its remarkable "rocking aftertaste" or yun—a sweet, refreshing sensation that lingers at the back of the throat long after you've finished your cup.

Brewing Guide

To fully appreciate the layered complexity of Tieguanyin, we recommend the following method:

1. Water Temperature: Heat fresh, pure water to 90-95°C (194-203°F) . High temperature is essential to unlock the rich aroma and flavor from the tightly rolled leaves.

2. Tea Leaves: Use about 5-8 grams (approximately 1-2 tablespoons) of tea leaves per 150ml cup. Tieguanyin leaves are dense and rolled, so be generous.

3. Vessel: A small porcelain gaiwan or a Yixing clay teapot is traditionally preferred, as these vessels retain heat well and are ideal for multiple infusions. A glass mug can also be used to watch the leaves unfurl.

4. Method:

   • Rinse the cup with hot water to warm it.

   • Place the tea leaves into the vessel and add a small amount of hot water to briefly "wake up" the leaves. Swirl gently and discard this rinse water.

   • Fill the vessel with hot water. For the first infusion, steep for a very short time: 15-25 seconds.

   • For subsequent steepings, add a few more seconds each time (e.g., 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 40 seconds). Tieguanyin is exceptionally resilient and can be infused 5-7 times or more, with each steep revealing new dimensions of flavor and aroma.

Storage Instructions

Oolong tea, especially lightly roasted Tieguanyin, is delicate and susceptible to environmental factors. To preserve its vibrant flavor and aroma, please follow these storage guidelines:

• Airtight: Always keep the tea in a sealed, airtight container (such as a tin, ceramic jar, or resealable foil pouch) to prevent oxidation and moisture absorption.

• Cool & Dark: Store the container in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and strong odors.

• Refrigeration: For long-term storage, especially for lighter, more floral styles of Tieguanyin, refrigeration at 0-5°C (32-41°F) is highly recommended. This helps slow down the aging process and preserves the fresh, floral character. Make sure the container is completely sealed to prevent the tea from absorbing any other odors from the refrigerator. Avoid frequent temperature fluctuations, and do not freeze.