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Processing of Oolong Oolong tea undergoes a few delicate processes in order to produce the unique aroma and taste. Typical Oolong tea is processed according to the following steps: Classification and grade Tea connoisseurs classify the tea by its aroma (often fragrant or flowery), taste and aftertaste (often melony). Wǔ-Yí mountain (武夷山茶) Fújiàn province The most famous and expensive Oolong teas are made here but the production is still usually accredited as organic. Falsification is rare as the teas generally have a very distinctive aroma, but Shui Hsien is mostly grown elsewhere in Fujian. Da Hong Pao: Also known as Big Red Robe, a highly prized tea and a Si Da Ming Cong. This tea is also one of the two Oolongs that make it to the list of Chinese famous teas. Shui Jin Gui: Also known as Water Turtle, a Si Da Ming Cong. Tieluohan: Also known as Iron Warrior Monk, a Si Da Ming Cong. Bai Ji Guan: Also known as White Cockscomb,a Si Da Ming Cong. A special light tea with very distinctive lightly colored leaves. Rou Gui: Also known as Cinnamon, a dark tea with a spicy aroma. Shui Hsien: Also known as Water Sprite, a very dark tea, often grown elsewhere. Jin Fo: Also known as Golden Buddha this is a very new tea that produces a light brew. Huang GuanyinAlso known as Yellow Goddess of Mercy, this is a very new but already famous tea. Guan Yin is a goddess of mercy and the household. Huang Mei GuiAlso known as Yellow Rose, this is a very new tea that produces a floral infusion with a very light taste. Qi Lan: Also known as Rare Orchid is a popular light tea. Jin Suo Chi: Also known as Golden Key. Ban Tian Yao: Also known as Half Day Perish. Fo Shou: Also known as Buddha Hands. Bu Zhi Chun: Also known as Not known in springtime. Fújiàn province Tiě Guān Yīn or Ti Kuan Yin (鐵觀音): Also known as 'Iron Goddess' this is a tea from Anxi in South Fujian. It is very famous, in fact a Chinese famous tea and very popular, hence there are many other teas that resemble its tight pelleted form. Huang Jin Gui: A tightly curled tea from Anxi in South Fujian. Pouchong: The lightest and most floral Oolong, originally grown in Fujian it is now widely cultivated and produced in Taiwan. Guangdong province Dān-Cōng'' (单枞)A highly floral flat tea with large undamaged leaves that is often scented with various aromas. Taiwan Tea cultivation only began in Taiwan in the mid 19th century and many teas that were produced in Fujian have been since also produced here. Since the 1970s, tea in Taiwan has developed independently of China, with the major market being not the export market but the domestic market. Teas have been cultivated at ever higher elevations to produce a unique sweet taste that fetches a premium (up to tens of thousand of US dollars) on the world market. Dòng Dǐng: A pelleted tea known as Cold Summit. Dong Ding is a mountain in Nantou county of central Taiwan. It was the original tea growing area and produces some of the most prized tea in Taiwan. Ali Shan(Mt. Ali) and Li Shan(Mt. Pear) are higher mountain teas with lower yields and even more sought after for the velvety smooth clean "qing xiang" light fragrance. This fragrance is almost addictive and no other oolong teas except for the Taiwan high mountain varieties have it. The prices range between US$40 and $100(Mt. Ali and Mt. Pear respectively) per 600 gm(taizhin unit)for decent grades. Prize winning grades are exorbitant in price, and merely opening a pouch or canister of these prize-winning teas can fill a house with their fragrance. Bai Hao Oolong tea: Also known as Oriental Beauty, this is a fresh and tippy tea. Alishan: This has large rolled leaves that have a purple-green appearance when dry. It is grown in Chaiyi County in Taiwan at an elevation of from 3000 to 4500 feet. There is a short period of the day with full sun and this produces a sweeter and less astringent brew. It produces a golden yellow liquid which has a unique fruity aroma. • Other oolong teas Darjeeling Oolong: A full leaf chocolatey and dark tea. Vietnamese Oolong See also | ||||||||||
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