EN
Tie Guan Yin Hua Xiang from Xianghua is a graceful oolong from Anxi County, Fujian province. The name means "Iron Goddess of Mercy," and the word "hua xiang" points to the floral character of the aroma. The tea is prized for its clear taste and layered bouquet.
According to a local legend, in the Qing dynasty a poor farmer from Xianghua found a wild tea bush at the foot of a temple of the goddess Guan Yin and grew from it a tea with an extraordinary fragrance. In gratitude, he named the drink after the goddess. Xianghua is a small village among tea plantations, where the microclimate and local growing conditions give the leaf a distinct character.
Characteristics
- Type: oolong, floral Tie Guan Yin
- Region: Xianghua village, Anxi County, Fujian province, China
- Ingredients: 100% tea leaf
- Form: loose leaf tea, sold by weight
- Liquor color: amber with golden glints
- Flavor: floral, fruity and honeyed
Aroma and Taste
Dry leaf. The dry leaves give off a clean floral scent; in a warm gaiwan it becomes brighter.
Infusion. A delicate floral bouquet with shades of orchid, peony, lily and lilac. The taste is fine and balanced, with fruity and honeyed accents.
Aftertaste. Long and pleasant, floral and fruity.
Why You'll Love It
- a fine bouquet for those who like light, fragrant oolongs;
- invigorating yet relaxing;
- opens up well over several gongfu infusions;
- a beautiful amber liquor for tea ceremony.
How to Brew
Gongfu brewing (gaiwan or small teapot):
- leaf: 6 g per 100–120 ml;
- water: 90 °C;
- first infusion: 10–15 s, then add a few seconds each time.
Western-style brewing (teapot or heat-resistant mug):
- leaf: 3 g per 200 ml;
- water: 85–90 °C;
- time: 2–3 min.
The aroma opens best in a porcelain gaiwan or a teapot made of porous clay. Do not over-steep the infusion, or bitterness will appear.
Storage
Store the tea in tightly closed packaging in a dry, cool place, away from direct light and foreign odors.
