100g Ti Kuan Yin Iron Goddess Of Mercy Oolong Tea

**Discontinued**

A distinctive light cup that has hints of orchid-like flavor. Excellent for quiet moments.

Luxury Ingredients: Oolong tea

Small Batch Blended and Packed in: Canada

Tea(s) From: China

Region(s): Fujian Province

Antioxidant Level: High 

Caffeine Content: Low 

Oolong tea is semi fermented  which is one of the reasons it has such a unique character. The semi  fermentation gives the tea a little bit more body than a green tea but  less body than a black tea ... and interestingly it gives the flavor a  very unique twist. You will see (particularly in the infused leaf) that  the edges of the leaves are slightly bruised (brownish). The reason for  this is that the leaves are lightly bruised to start the oxidation  process.  Because they are more full bodied than green teas, oolong teas  must not be picked too early or at too tender a stage. They must be  produced immediately. Unlike leaves for green tea, those destined to be  oolong are wilted in the direct sun and then shaken in tubular bamboo  baskets to bruise the leaf edges. The bruising is what makes the edges  oxidize faster than the center. After 15-25 minutes (depending upon  ambient temperature and humidity levels) the tea is fired, locking in  the special flavor profile.

There are several grades of Ti Kuan  Yin (a.k.a Iron Goddess of Mercy). This particular type is the premium  grade - below the superior grade but has many of the characteristics of  top Ti Kuan Yin Oolongs. It has been written that Ti Kuan Yin is at  first bitter, then sweet and finishes with a fragrance, which lingers on  your palate. We find this particular grade is sweet with a fragrant  finish and has no bitter notes.

The name Iron Goddess of Mercy  came from a farmer named Mr. Wei. At the temple dedicated to Kuan Yin he  was asked what is the name of his special tea. It must be called Ti  Kuan Yin in honor of the iron statue to Kuan Yin he replied. As the name  was a good one, it has never been changed.