A Guide to Tieguanyin Tea/Health tea culture

Origin: Tieguanyin tea is produced in Anxi County, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, China. The main production areas are Xiping, Gandé, Xianghua, and Longquan.

Historical Background: Anxi County is renowned not only as the hometown of world-famous teas but also as the birthplace of China’s renowned oolong tea. It is a major county for the export of oolong tea from Fujian Province. With its long history of tea cultivation and favorable natural conditions, Anxi produces tea of exceptional quality.

Varieties: Tieguanyin is a type of oolong tea, classified as a partially fermented tea. It can be broadly categorized into three main types based on fermentation level and production process: Qingxiang (light fragrance), Nongxiang (strong fragrance), and Chenxiang (aged fragrance).

• Qingxiang Tieguanyin (Light Fragrance)

  • Flavor Profile: This type has a light and slightly sweet taste, leaning towards modern processing methods, and is the most commonly available in the market. It features a vibrant green color, clear liquor, and a fragrant floral aroma. The taste is mellow and pure. Due to its cooling nature, it should not be consumed in excess, as it may cause stomach discomfort or insomnia.

• Nongxiang Tieguanyin (Strong Fragrance)

  • Flavor Profile: Nongxiang Tieguanyin has a rich, robust flavor with a lingering, intense aroma. It is produced using traditional roasting techniques and further processed through baking. This type is characterized by its deep, blackish hue, golden liquor, and strong, rich taste. Compared to Qingxiang Tieguanyin, Nongxiang Tieguanyin is warmer and offers benefits such as thirst-quenching, digestion improvement, and stomach warming.

• Chenxiang Tieguanyin (Aged Fragrance)

  • Flavor Profile: Also known as aged or ripe tea, Chenxiang Tieguanyin is made from Nongxiang or Qingxiang Tieguanyin that has been aged and repeatedly processed. It is also a partially fermented tea. This type is noted for its dark color, rich, mellow flavor, and complex, sweet, and smooth aroma. Its characteristics and taste are similar to Pu-erh, black, and red teas, reflecting a deep historical and cultural heritage.

Quality Characteristics (Qingxiang Type)

• Dry Tea/Tea color: The leaves are tightly rolled and have a sand-green, oily sheen with a subtle, lingering orchid aroma.
• Tea Liquor: The liquor is jade green with a hint of yellow, transparent and textured like honey, with a fresh, sweet taste and a strong, long-lasting orchid fragrance.
• Leaves: The leaves are intact, thick, soft, and shiny, uniform in size and shape, and have a long-lasting aroma.

Suitable For:

• Individuals who use computers and smartphones frequently
• People with high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol
• Those who experience dry mouth, poor digestion
• Individuals dealing with edema, high stress, and those who smoke or drink alcohol

Health Benefits:

• Anti-Radiation and Anti-Cancer: Contains flavonoids, catechins, and selenium.
• Diuretic and Anti-Edema: Includes caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, and adenine.
• Improves Blood Circulation and Prevents Arteriosclerosis: Rich in tea polyphenols, catechins, and vitamins.
• Heart Health and Muscle Relaxation: Contains caffeine.
• Prevents Tooth Decay and Has Antimicrobial Properties: Includes fluoride ions, tea polyphenols, and tannins.
• Anti-Aging and Fatigue Reduction: Rich in tea polyphenols, caffeine, and catechins.
• Weight Loss and Skin Health: Contains caffeine, inositol, folic acid, and aromatic compounds.
• Reduces Blood Lipids and Aids Digestion: Includes caffeine, tea polyphenols, and vitamin C.