Tie Guan Yin, also known as “Iron Goddess of Mercy,” is a type of Chinese oolong tea that is considered to be one of the most famous and highly prized teas in China. The tea is named after Guan Yin, the Chinese goddess of mercy, who is said to have played a role in the tea’s discovery.
The tea is produced in the Anxi County in Fujian province, China. The leaves of the tea plant are hand-picked and then undergo a unique processing method that includes withering, rolling, and oxidation. The leaves are then shaped and fired to stop the oxidation process. This process is what gives the tea its unique flavor, aroma, and appearance. The leaves are tightly rolled and have a dark green color with a slight hint of red. When brewed, the leaves will expand and will have a dark greenish-brown color with a slight hint of red.
Tie Guan Yin is known for its unique orchid-like aroma and a delicate and smooth taste. The tea is typically steeped at a temperature between 85-90°C (185-194°F) for 3-5 minutes. The flavor of the tea can range from floral and sweet to nutty and vegetal depending on the processing method and the quality of the leaves. High-quality Tie Guan Yin should have a balance of sweet, floral and vegetal notes.
The health benefits of Tie Guan Yin are similar to those of other oolong teas. It contains antioxidants, which can help to protect the body against the damaging effects of free radicals. It also contains caffeine, which can help to increase energy and focus. Additionally, it has been known to help in weight loss and digestion.
The history of Tie Guan Yin dates back to the 18th century. It is said that a poor farmer named Wang Kui discovered a small tea plant growing on a rocky outcropping near his village. The plant was different from the others, and it had a unique aroma. He took a cutting of the plant and began to propagate it. The tea plant quickly became popular, and eventually, the villagers began to call it Tie Guan Yin, in honor of the goddess of mercy.
Tie Guan Yin is typically produced in small batches, and the leaves are carefully hand-picked and processed. The leaves are then shaped and fired to stop the oxidation process. This is what gives the tea its unique flavor, aroma, and appearance. Tie Guan Yin is considered to be a high-quality tea, and it is often given as a gift or consumed during special occasions.
To sum it up, Tie Guan Yin is a type of Chinese oolong tea that is considered to be one of the most famous and highly prized teas in China. The tea is named after Guan Yin, the Chinese goddess of mercy, and it is produced in the Anxi County in Fujian province, China. The leaves of the tea plant are hand-picked and then undergo a unique processing method that includes withering, rolling, and oxidation. The leaves are then shaped and fired to stop the oxidation process. This process is what gives the tea its unique flavor, aroma, and appearance. Tie Guan Yin is known for its orchid-like aroma and a delicate and smooth taste, and it has many health benefits, including antioxidants and caffeine. It is typically steeped at a temperature between 85-90°C (185-194°F) for 3-5 minutes and can have a range of floral and sweet to nutty and vegetal flavor depending on the processing method and the quality of the leaves.
