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To understand Taiwan oolong teas in a more detailed level, an essential first step is to learn about Taiwan oolong varietals. Many of oolong varietals grown in Taiwan came from China just like ancestors of most Taiwan residents have. Some varietals adjust well and turn out to be popular and others gradually disappear. The following will cover some of the more common Taiwan tea varietals.
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Qingxin Oolong (Green Heart) the most sought-after, historical, and reprehensive oolong varietal in Taiwan. A dominating majority of today's Taiwan high mountain oolong tea are produced from the leaves of Qingxin Oolong tea trees. The tea typically is richer, smoother and more fragrant because the tea leaves of Qingxin Oolong grown in high mountain areas are thicker. The higher the altitudes the thicker the tea leaves.
Qingxin Oolong is weaker and less productive and it is more prone to tree disease. The tea trees are mostly hand picked instead of machines due to potential damaging effects from machines. Teas made of Qingxin Oolong come with an unique varietal fragrance and it is one of the reasons why Qingxin Oolong remains popular while it is much more expensive.
Jinxuan (Milk Oolong) also known as number 12 of Taiwan tea among Taiwan local tea lovers. It is a new varietal developed by tea researchers in Taiwan around 1985. The tea trees are mostly grown at tea plantations located below 1600 meters above sea level. However, there are still some planted at high mountain areas to produce first grade high mountain milk oolong tea.
Jinxuan is productive and solid. It is perfect to be harvested by machines without being damaged. It can be used to produce a variety of teas including Pouchong tea, Oriental Beauty Oolong tea, Tikuanyin tea and Milk oolong tea.
Cuiyu (Jade) also known as number 13 of Taiwan tea. Cuiyu is a new varietal developed by tea researchers in Taiwan similar to Jinxuan. Both varietals were announced around 1985. Cuiyu is mostly found at low altitude tea plantations.
Cuiyu is also similar to Jinxuan in terms of productivity and solidness. Both of them are perfect for machine harvesting. Jade oolong tea means oolong tea made with Cuiyu. The tea gives off a characteristic jasmine fragrance with rich flavor.
Sijichun (Four Season) It is a new varietal that appeared in the Taiwan tea market around 1990. Sijichun was accidentally found on a tea plantation by local tea farmers in Muzha. Sijichun literally means evergreen in Chinese, which reflects the characteristic of its solidness, fast growing and productivity. Mingjian tea region in Taiwan is currently the largest region that grows Sijichun.
Tikuanyin adjusts poorly to new environments and grows slowly. Muzha and Shimen are two major regions that grow tikuanyin in Taiwan.
The process of making tikuanyin tea is much more complicated and takes longer than making others. Tikuanyin tea can be made with varientals like jinxuan and tikuanyins. However, only the tea that is made with tikuanyins varietal entitles zhengcong tikuanyin.
Baimaohou Baimaohou literally means white fur monkey in Chinese. The Oriental Beauty oolong tea made from this varietal has a dense amount of white buds on it; hence the meaning white fur monkey. Baimaohou varietal is extremely limited in quantity causing tea from the varietal to be very rare and expensive.
Damanzhong Damanzhong literally means extremely slow in Chinese. It is not difficult to guess that the varietal actually grows incredibly slow as its Chinese name reflects. Similar to baimaohou, Oriental Beauty oolong tea made from the varietal also carries a great amount of white buds. This varietal is mainly dedicated to producing first grade Oriental Beauty oolong.
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About the Author: Mr. Fu is an experienced tea farmer in Pinglin Township, Taipei County. He has been growing tea for over 25 years and has won many prizes in tea competitions.
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