Tieguanyin—does the name sound a bit classical and mysterious to you? It is not just any Tea, but also a legacy of history and culture. Tieguanyin belongs to the oolong category and is one of China's top ten famous teas. It sits between green tea and black tea, being a partially Fermented tea that combines the fresh fragrance of green tea with the rich flavor of black tea, making it a distinctive type of tea.
The Origin of Tieguanyin
The origins of Tieguanyin can be traced back to the Yongzheng period of the Qing Dynasty, around 1725 to 1735. Its birthplace is Xiping Town, Anxi County, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province. According to legend, local tea farmers discovered a tea tree with a unique aroma in Anxi. The leaves of this tea tree, after undergoing special tea-making processes, could emit an unforgettable fragrance. This fragrance was like the willow branch water held by the Bodhisattva Guanyin, fresh and sacred, hence the name “Tieguanyin” was given.
Characteristics of Tieguanyin
Tieguanyin belongs to the oolong category and is a partially fermented tea. It sits between green tea and black tea, combining the fresh fragrance of green tea with the mellow richness of black tea. The production process of Tieguanyin is very meticulous, including steps such as picking, withering, shaking, fixation, rolling, and baking. Each step requires careful handling to ensure the quality of the tea leaves.
High-quality Tieguanyin has thick, tightly bound leaves with a fresh luster. When brewed, the tea has a golden yellow color and a fragrant aroma that is long-lasting, earning it the reputation of having a lingering fragrance even after seven infusions. The leaves at the bottom of the cup are substantial and bright, with a unique aroma known as the “Guanyin韵” (Guanyin韵). Due to differences in production techniques, Tieguanyin can have varying degrees of fermentation, ranging from light to medium to heavy, each resulting in distinct flavors.
Types of Tieguanyin
Depending on the degree of fermentation and production methods, Tieguanyin can be classified into three major types: Fresh Fragrance, Rich Fragrance, and Aged Fragrance. Fresh Fragrance Tieguanyin has a light Taste and a fresh aroma; Rich Fragrance Tieguanyin has a strong aroma and a full-bodied flavor; while Aged Fragrance Tieguanyin has a unique woody and honey-like aroma, achieved through long-term storage and additional processing.
Production Process
The production process of Tieguanyin is complex, involving multiple steps. These include cooling, sunning, preliminary processing, shaking, stir-frying, rolling, initial baking, secondary baking, wrapping, and slow-fire roasting. Every stage requires precise handling, especially during the shaking and fermentation processes, which involve repeated shaking and air-drying of the leaves to promote enzymatic oxidation, creating a unique aroma and taste profile.
Origin and Growing Environment
Tieguanyin is primarily produced in Anxi County, Fujian, where the mountainous terrain, warm and humid climate, and fertile soil provide ideal conditions for tea trees. In addition to Anxi, other areas in Fujian, such as Hua'an, Nanjing, Yongchun, and Zhangping, also grow Tieguanyin.
Brewing Methods
In Quanzhou, Xiamen, Zhangzhou, Chaozhou-Shantou, and Taiwan, people typically drink Tieguanyin using the Gongfu tea method. Using small clay pots and small cups, they first warm the cups with boiling water, then add an appropriate amount of tea leaves and brew them with boiling water. The first two infusions are used for rinsing the tea and warming the cups, with the third infusion being the first to be enjoyed. This way of Drinking Tea not only enhances the appreciation of the tea's aroma and flavor but is also a part of enjoying life.
Conclusion
Tieguanyin—the name behind it carries centuries of history, the wisdom and sweat of countless tea farmers, and a philosophy and attitude towards life. It is not just a beverage but also a legacy and promotion of culture. Hopefully, today's introduction has deepened your understanding and knowledge of Tieguanyin and sparked an interest and love for Chinese Tea culture.