Hi. Welcome to our Tea Time section. Today we are going to enjoy one of Taiwan’s most well-known and typical teas: Alishan oolong.
This tea bears the name of the mountain where it is cultivated: “Alishan” means “Mountain Ali”. The shape of this tea is typical of Chinese oolongs, large rolled-up whole leaves. The aroma is very pleasant, with a floral touch and strong presence.
Taiwan is well-known as a producer of oolong tea, especially the so-called “high mountain teas” or “tall teas”. As a curiosity, the land where tea is grown in Taiwan is owned by the government, guaranteeing optimal cultivation conditions and quality.
We prepare the infusion by adding about 3 grams of tea, which will serve to enjoy it throughout the afternoon. This is a standard amount for a teapot, although you could get up to about 5 grams.
Add water to about 90 degrees, and let the infusion for 4 minutes.
Another fact, the dialect of the Chinese province of Fujian and the Taiwanese are practically the same. In fact, in the city of Xiamen (China) a subdialect is spoken that is Taiwanese. Hence, Taiwan’s oolongs are heavily influenced by Chinese oolongs such as Tie Guan Yin of Aanxi.
A detail of the leaf once it opens: whole, of an intense green color and a large size. This makes it clear that it is a quality tea.
The infusion is a light green color, and has come out completely clean. The taste is as pleasant as its aroma. Very well balanced, with a lot of presence but very pleasant to taste.
Without any doubt, a very elegant tea and a great example of the well reputated Taiwan’s oolong.
This Alishan oolong is the perfect companion on a quiet tea afternoon, due to that these tea varieties retain their flavor without bittering anything. And another detail, it is as good hot as cold, a fact to be taken into account now that the sun begins to warm up a little more.
Thank you very much for your attention. You have a video of this Tea Time at our Youtube channel. You also have us at your disposal in our blog, as well as in our online store and in our tea shop in Barcelona. If you are looking where to buy oolong tea from Taiwan then click here.
See you soon!!
