This tea is a premium version of oolong, renowned for its distinct aroma, taste, and medicinal benefits. According to popular legend, Qing Emperor Kangxi prayed to the Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin, to cure him of smallpox. She healed him and, in return, said that the people of the region must cultivate tea bushes on the mountainside, which since then, have been named after the goddess.
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Mr. Bai (白), my trusted supplier for this oolong tea, is based in Shenzhen and has been supplying me with oolong tea for over 15 years. I have built a strong trust with him. He took over his father's business in Shenzhen while his father returned to Fujian to source and make the tea. Mr. Bai is a specialist in Tikuanyin, and all his teas are mostly Tikuanyin oolong in different grades, styles, and flavors.
I'm amazed that a single variety could branch out into over 20 different teas, each with its own unique flavors and grades. It can be quite challenging to choose just one to offer to you!
Mr. Bai calls this tea Tikuanyin—just medium roasted Tikuanyin. Like many wholesalers, they don't bother to name it, as there would be too many teas to get named. So I took the initiative to name this tea "TeaCanvas Orchid Tikuanyin." I like it because it has a good balance in roasting, being light roasted. The advantage is that it can be stored longer without refrigeration compared to the typical green Tikuanyin that is minimally roasted and prone to spoilage. It can be at least store several years and possibly a tea good for aging.
This exquisite oolong leans towards floral with slight fruity notes, offering a delicate and harmonious tea experience.
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What does the process look like?
The Tikuanyin making process has been described as part art, part science. Oolong is harvested only in spring and autumn. The leaves are usually plucked only in the earliy in the morning. The freshly plucked leaves are then sun dried, and shaken through a rotating container to remove any debris and soften the leaf surface. The leaves are semi-oxidized to 20-30%, and then left to wither for several hours in a quality-controlled setting. The withered leaves are rolled by hand or in a roaster. They are packed into bags, rolled, unpacked, re-packed and then repeat the process again and again until the leafs turn tiny balls.
How does Tikuanyin tease the senses?
Top quality Tikuanyin leaves are jade green, firm and the flavor retains a solid, fresh aroma even after multiple brews. They create a pale green infusion in your teacup and the taste is mild and pleasant, with a hint of floral aroma. The blend of flavors is complex but clean. It goes down well and does not leave behind a dry or bitter aftertaste. Take a few sips and you'll understand why Tikuanyin is honored as a 'superior' tea.
Why should you drink Tikuanyin?
As the tea leaves are only slightly oxidized, they preserve their antioxidants to offer health benefits. They contain polyphenols, which help you to burn fat. A healthy eating habit and regular exercise, oolong tea could be effective aid towards a fitter body.
How do you brew a nice cup of Tikuanyin?
Western style of brewing takes you just a couple of minutes. You'll need 2-3 teaspoons of Tikuanyin tea for ½ liter of water for an intense cup of tea. Pour boiling water (92-100ºC) into the tea cup, let the leaves steep for 3-5 minutes, and then serve with sugar or honey. You can brew quality Tikuanyin about seven times.
