When discussing Anxi Oolong tea, the first name that comes to mind is tea Tie Guan Yin. However, many tea lovers may not be familiar with Anxi Se Zhong, an equally fascinating tea category that has been cultivated for centuries in the tea-rich lands of Anxi County, Fujian Province.
What exactly is Anxi Se Zhong? How does it differ from Tie Guan Yin? What are its characteristics, and why should tea enthusiasts explore this diverse tea family?
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deep into the history, classification, varieties, production process, brewing methods, and unique qualities of Anxi Se Zhong tea.
1. What is Anxi Se Zhong Tea?
Anxi Se Zhong is a category of Oolong tea (Wulong tea) produced in Anxi County, Fujian Province, China. While Tie Guan Yin is the most famous and well-known Anxi Oolong variety, Anxi Se Zhong serves as an umbrella term for all other Anxi Oolong teas that do not belong to the Tie Guan Yin classification.
In the 1950s, tea classification efforts grouped Anxi Oolong teas into three major categories:
- Tie Guan Yin – The most famous variety with a distinct floral aroma and complex taste.
- Anxi Se Zhong – A collection of other high-quality Anxi Oolong teas with various unique characteristics.
- Other Oolong Teas – Including modern hybrid varieties and experimental cultivars.
The term Se Zhong (色种) means “various colored varieties,” highlighting the diversity within this tea category. Unlike Tie Guan Yin, which has a strict single-variety identity, Anxi Se Zhong includes multiple tea cultivars with different leaf appearances, aromas, and flavor profiles.
2. Key Varieties of Anxi Se Zhong Tea
Unlike Tie Guan Yin, which is produced from a single cultivar, Anxi Se Zhong comprises multiple sub-varieties, each with its own distinct qualities. Here are some of the most famous varieties:
① Huang Jin Gui (黄金桂) – Golden Osmanthus
Appearance: Bright green leaves with a golden hue.
Aroma: Strong osmanthus flower fragrance.
Flavor: Sweet, refreshing, and light-bodied with a delicate floral note.
Unique Feature: Known for its golden liquor color and osmanthus-like fragrance.
② Mao Xie (毛蟹) – Hairy Crab
Appearance: Small, tightly rolled tea leaves.
Aroma: Subtle floral scent with hints of fresh grass.
Flavor: Mild, slightly creamy, with a smooth texture.
Unique Feature: Named after the fine hairy texture on the tea leaves, resembling a crab shell.
③ Ben Shan (本山) – Origin Mountain
Appearance: Heavy, robust tea leaves.
Aroma: Mellow floral scent with a slightly woody undertone.
Flavor: Smooth, rich, and slightly roasted.
Unique Feature: Often compared to Tie Guan Yin but with a more subtle and mellow profile.
④ Da Ye Qi Lan (大叶奇兰) – Big Leaf Orchid
Appearance: Large, elongated leaves with a dark green color.
Aroma: Strong orchid and honey fragrance.
Flavor: Full-bodied, rich, and slightly sweet.
Unique Feature: Recognized for its intense floral aroma and lingering aftertaste.
⑤ Mei Zhan (梅占) – Plum Exhibition
Appearance: Medium-sized leaves with a slightly curled shape.
Aroma: Fruity and floral, with hints of plum and peach.
Flavor: Balanced, sweet, and smooth with a hint of stone fruit.
Unique Feature: Popular for its sweet and fruity profile, making it an excellent introduction to Oolong teas.
Each of these Anxi Se Zhong teas has its own unique personality, making them a delightful exploration for tea lovers who want to experience a wide range of flavors beyond Tie Guan Yin.
3. Ideal Growing Environment for Anxi Se Zhong Tea
The geographical and climatic conditions of Anxi County play a crucial role in shaping the quality of Anxi Se Zhong tea.
Location: Anxi County is located in Fujian Province, China, with tea-growing elevations ranging from 600 to 1000 meters above sea level.
Climate: The region has a subtropical monsoon climate, characterized by:
Abundant rainfall (annual precipitation: 1700-1900 mm).
Mild temperatures (average annual temperature: 16-19°C).
High humidity, which helps tea leaves develop their aromatic compounds.
Soil: Rich in minerals, slightly acidic, and well-drained, ideal for growing premium Oolong tea.
These ideal natural conditions contribute to the fragrant, sweet, and complex flavors that define Anxi Se Zhong teas.
4. Traditional Production Process of Anxi Se Zhong Tea
The production of Anxi Se Zhong tea follows a process similar to Tie Guan Yin, but with customized adjustments for each variety. The main steps include:
- Plucking – Tea leaves are hand-picked, selecting young, tender leaves with strong aromas.
- Withering (晒青, 凉青) – The leaves are spread out under sunlight and then cooled indoors to reduce moisture and enhance their fragrance.
- Tossing & Bruising (摇青) – The leaves are lightly shaken in bamboo trays to bruise the edges, starting oxidation.
- Fixation (杀青) – Heat is applied to stop oxidation at the desired level, locking in aroma and flavor.
- Rolling (揉捻) – The tea leaves are shaped into tight, rolled balls or twisted strands, depending on the variety.
- Drying & Roasting (烘焙) – The leaves are dried to remove excess moisture and sometimes roasted to develop deeper flavors.
Each Anxi Se Zhong variety has its own specific processing adjustments, which influence the final taste and aroma.
5. Brewing Anxi Se Zhong Tea: Techniques for the Best Flavor
To fully enjoy Anxi Se Zhong tea, proper brewing techniques are essential.
Recommended Brewing Method (Gongfu Style)
Tea-to-Water Ratio: 6-8 grams of tea per 100-150ml of water.
Water Temperature: 90-95°C (194-203°F).
Brewing Time:
First infusion: 15-20 seconds.
Subsequent infusions: Increase by 5-10 seconds.
Number of Infusions: 6-8 times, depending on the variety.
Pro Tip: Using Yixing clay teapots or porcelain gaiwans enhances the complexity of Anxi Se Zhong teas.
6. Why Choose Anxi Se Zhong Tea?
- Diverse Flavors – Unlike Tie Guan Yin, which has a distinctive profile, Anxi Se Zhong offers a variety of flavors to explore.
- Mellow & Balanced – Many Se Zhong teas are less intense than Tie Guan Yin, making them easier to enjoy daily.
- Great for Aging – Certain varieties develop deeper, richer flavors over time.
- Affordable & High Quality – Compared to premium Tie Guan Yin, Anxi Se Zhong teas are often more budget-friendly while maintaining excellent quality.
Final Thoughts
Anxi Se Zhong is an underrated gem in the world of Oolong tea. With its diverse flavors, high-quality production, and deep-rooted history, it deserves recognition alongside tea Tie Guan Yin.
For tea lovers seeking new and exciting flavors beyond Tie Guan Yin, exploring Anxi Se Zhong is a journey worth taking!