Tie Guan Yin
Tie Guan Yin Oolong tea is one of the most noble and well-known oolong teas in China. It not only offers a unique aroma but also a rich traditional legend. The tea owes its name to the 'Iron Goddess of Mercy'.
What is Tie Guan Yin Oolong?
"Iron Goddess of Mercy" – the translation of the name of Tie Guan Yin Oolong tea hints at its long tradition. This variety is one of the best-known from China and one of the finest Oolong varieties. The tea plant originally comes from Anxi, a region in Fujian Province. The region is known for its ideal climatic conditions for tea: morning mist, moderate temperatures, and soil with the right minerals. The mountain ranges ensure continuous rainfall and optimal conditions for tea cultivation.
The name, translated as "Iron Goddess of Mercy," comes from the Chinese goddess Guanyin, who is regarded as the embodiment of compassion and grace. According to the old legend – as told about many traditional Chinese teas – the goddess Guanyin appeared to a farmer in a dream and showed him a tea bush in a cave behind a ruined temple. The farmer was able to successfully sell the tea and thereby restore the temple dedicated to the goddess Guanyin.
Tie Guan Yin is traditionally harvested four times a year – in spring, summer, autumn, and winter. For many other types of tea, the harvests in spring and autumn are marked by significant differences in quality – this is different for Tie Guan Yin, where the quality of the various harvests is equivalent. The production of the tea is a complex process: the leaves are turned multiple times to promote oxidation. Traditional varieties are more heavily oxidized and roasted, while modern varieties are less intense, resulting in a milder taste.
Flavor of Tie Guan Yin
Tie Guan Yin is a semi-fermented oolong tea with a unique aroma and taste. The tea is commonly divided into two varieties, which taste quite different:
Lightly oxidized Tie Guan Yin: This variety has more floral notes, with a hint of jasmine and melon
Traditionally roasted Tie Guan Yin: This variety is stronger, with earthy aromas
With each infusion, the flavor changes slightly. The tea in the cup is bright yellow to slightly greenish.
Preparation of Tie Guan Yin
Just as there are different varieties of this tea, there are also different methods of preparation, with a distinction mainly between modern and traditional methods.
Modern Preparation:
Dosage: 1 teaspoon per cup
Water temperature: 80–90 °C
Steeping time: 2–2.5 minutes.
Traditional Preparation:
Dosage: 4–5 teaspoons for a small Yixing teapot
Water temperature: 80–90 °C (not boiling)
Steeping time: 1–1.5 minutes per infusion.
The tea can be infused multiple times, anywhere from five to ten times according to preference.
Effects of Tie Guan Yin
Tie Guan Yin Oolong is said to have numerous health benefits: antioxidants are believed to support heart health, prevent cancer, and slow down the aging process. The tea is also thought to aid digestion, and the minerals calcium and fluoride strengthen the bones and help prevent osteoporosis.
In terms of caffeine content, the tea is at a moderate level and, among oolong teas, it is one of the varieties with lower caffeine. This means it provides a gentle energy boost, but not as intense as coffee.