It's a blue tea also known by other names, such as Tieguanyin and Iron Goddess. It's light, sweet, refreshing, and vegetal, without astringency or acidity. It's an unroasted tea. It's the highest quality oolong tea, harvested in spring or autumn, and handcrafted. In this post, you'll learn what Tieguanyin tea is.

This is a very popular tea in the Quanhou region of southern Fujian. This variety of this plant was discovered in the early 18th century in the Anxi region with the variety of the same name, which has reddish veins. Currently, this characteristic is not taken into account when recognizing a tea of this type.

The first production of this plant was offered as a gift in 1741, and for years members of the imperial court consumed it. It is still produced today in the Anxi region. The most aromatic tea is made in Xianghua, the most organoleptic is in Gande, and its proud original source is Xiping.

Since tea has become so popular, there are now other places where it is produced, satisfying the massive demand for the product. In this sense, this mass production comes from two countries: Vietnam and Thailand.

What to consider when buying Tieguanyin tea

Young Tieguanyin tea bushes are preferred because they have a better aroma. These are replaced every few years on small plantations where they are of better quality, but the labor involved in harvesting them is cumbersome.

The above, in addition to demand and quality, are sufficient reasons for the high price of this tea. It is sometimes sold under another variety, but using the same name or blended with other teas, so you should be careful when purchasing it.

It's not a tea everyone will be willing to buy; its quality varies depending on its origin, cultivation, and production. However, once you buy it, you shouldn't go long without drinking it, and if you want to preserve it for longer, it's best to store it in a container and refrigerate it.

Now, to know which Tieguanyon tea to buy, you need to consider its harvest. The best is that harvested in spring and fall; those from other months should be avoided. Depending on the production and shipping time, these teas are available one to two months later.

It's important to ask the supplier when the harvest is, as they may be blended with teas from different harvests. If you can't get spring or fall teas, at least avoid summer teas, as they contain pesticides.

What properties does Tieguanyon tea have?

Below are some of the properties present in Tieguanyon tea:

• It's moderately stimulating. The drink can be consumed throughout the day because it contains almost no caffeine, so it's mildly stimulating.
• It helps with weight loss. Since it's a tea with low oxidation, its properties are usually preserved, especially those for weight loss.
• It has antioxidants. The amount of antioxidants it contains is similar to that of green tea, precisely because it undergoes very little oxidation. Catechins are the main antioxidants.
• The antioxidants present in this blue tea also help improve digestion, thanks to the stimulation it exerts on gastric secretions.
• Cholesterol control. Thanks to its protective effects, it helps control cholesterol and fat oxidation.

Tieguanyin tea production process

The production of Tieguanyin tea is complex and requires certain steps carefully followed, as well as each producer's own techniques. After harvesting, a variety of Camellia sinensis leaves are sun-dried, cooled, and vigorously shaken. They are then withered again, this time applying a degree of oxidation that highlights floral nuances and reduces excessive astringency.

When they're ready, the producer carefully rolls them, applying specific movements and intensities, for storage before finally drying them. Depending on the region where the tea is grown, it will acquire its aromatic and flavor nuances. Currently, Tieguanyin is also produced in Taiwan, where it is given greater elegance and flavor.

This type of oolong tea is best prepared using the Gong Fu Cha method, a method that involves heating small portions of water to 85°C (185°F) several times, for no more than 4 minutes. It has a strong aroma and intense flavor, with floral and fruity notes.

Tieguanyin from the Anxi region is less oxidized and very fresh. The Tieguanyin from Muzha, Tawan, is strong, brown in color, and has notes of toasted nuts resulting from the meticulous roasting process.

How to properly prepare Tieguanyin tea

For a good preparation of Tieguanyin it is necessary to have a series of utensils, in addition to its ingredients.

• It should not have impurities and be at a temperature of 95ºC (it should not boil).
• Dishes should be rinsed with boiling water to remove any accumulated dust particles.
• Wash the tea. Fill a cup with a teaspoon of water at 95°C. Let it steep for 30 seconds and discard the water.
• Once you've completed the previous process, the tea will begin to release its aromas, so if you're with a group of friends, let everyone inhale it so they can enjoy it.
• In the second preparation, you can increase the time until the leaves open and release their aromas and flavors.
• In the third production process, new notes and flavors are released, leaving a pleasant and fresh taste.

In addition to Tieguanyin tea, we offer a variety of other teas with similar properties that are very popular in the hospitality and coffee industry.

Black tea is one of the most common and popular teas. It's known for its strong, rich flavor and is often used as a base for blended teas like chai tea . Black tea also contains caffeine, making it a good choice for those who need an energy boost.

Green tea is another popular tea that has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its antioxidant properties and its ability to improve concentration and mood. Green tea also has a mild, pleasant flavor and can be served both hot and cold.

Jasmine tea is another tea that is very popular in the hospitality and coffee industry. It has a smooth, delicate flavor and is often combined with jasmine flowers to give it a sweet, floral aroma.

Finally, Earl Grey tea is another commercially popular tea that has become a classic choice in many hospitality establishments. This black tea is blended with bergamot oil to give it a distinctive flavor and citrus aroma.

In short, if you're looking for tea options for your hospitality or coffee shop, contact us. We supply teas for hospitality, coffee shops, and other businesses. We offer a wide variety of popular teas with properties similar to Tieguanyin tea. Explore our options and find the one that best suits your establishment!