Tie Guan Yin, not only the name of a tea plant but also the name of the tea produced from it, originated in Anxi Xiping Township and boasts a cultivation history of over two centuries. Referred to as the “Supreme Oolong,” the quality of Tie Guan Yin can be assessed from five aspects: appearance, sound, color, aroma, and taste. These five aspects constitute the essential factors for evaluating the quality of Tie Guan Yin tea in Anxi.
The Five Factors of Tie Guan Yin Tasting in Anxi
Appearance:
Premium Tie Guan Yin tea should have tightly curled and plump leaves with a glossy appearance akin to silk satin on the undersides.
Color:
The dry leaves of Tie Guan Yin with an oily blackish-green color are considered top-grade; blackish-green is second-grade; reddish-black is third-grade, and entirely black leaves are of lower quality. Moreover, high-quality Tie Guan Yin should exhibit a clear, golden-yellow soup color, while those with a dark red hue indicate slightly inferior quality.
Sound:
When pouring the dry leaves of Tie Guan Yin into a teapot, good-quality leaves should produce a crisp, clear sound. Leaves that generate a dull, muffled sound are of slightly lower quality.
Aroma:
Fine Tie Guan Yin tea should emit a captivating aroma that fills the air with a unique and pleasant fragrance, bringing about a profound and long-lasting pleasure.
Taste:
The taste of high-grade Tie Guan Yin tea is mellow and green, medium-grade tea is sweet, while lower-grade tea may have a bitter and astringent taste. A good cup of Tie Guan Yin should have a rich, delicious flavor with a noticeable lingering sweetness, leaving a lasting impression.
By understanding the Five Factors of Tie Guan Yin Tasting in Anxi, you will undoubtedly develop your own perspective on how to appreciate the quality of this tea. Even if you have yet to grasp its essence fully, remember that the process of savoring tea is filled with joy and growth. Each day, as we relish the taste of Tie Guan Yin, we can gradually delve deeper into the cultural significance and essence of this renowned tea from Anxi.
Brewing Method for Tie Guan Yin Tea:
Tie Guan Yin tea falls somewhere between green tea and black tea, belonging to the category of semi-fermented tea. With its unique “Guan Yin charm,” Tie Guan Yin possesses an elegant fragrance, akin to orchids, and its taste is pure and robust. It is renowned for its long-lasting aroma, earning it the nickname “Fragrance lingering after seven steepings.”
Steps for Brewing Tie Guan Yin Tea:
Clean the teaware: Rinse the teaware with hot water.
Add the tea: Place the Tie Guan Yin tea leaves into the teaware, filling about one-fifth of the teaware’s capacity.
Infuse with water: Pour boiling water into the teapot or teacup, causing the tea leaves to gently swirl.
Remove the foam: Use the lid of the teapot or the cup to gently remove any floating white foam, ensuring a fresh and clean brew.
Pour the tea: After steeping the tea for one to two minutes, pour the tea into the cups in a circular motion.
Sip and savor: Sip the tea while it’s still hot, first inhaling its aroma before tasting its flavor. Savor each sip while enjoying the fragrance. Though the quantity may be small, the experience will leave a lingering sweetness in your mouth, refreshing your mind and bringing a unique sense of pleasure.