What Is Tie Guan Yin Tea?

Tie Guan Yin (Ti ě guān yīn 铁观音) tea is a traditional Chinese famous tea, belonging to oolong tea. It is produced in Anxi County, Fujian Province, and is one of the Top 10 famous teas in China. Tieguanyin tea is a kind of oolong tea, which is between green tea and black tea and it’s semi-fermented.

Tieguanyin was discovered between 1723 and 1735. “Tie Guanyin” is not only the name of tea but also the name of the tea plant. After roasting, cooling, and sealing, tie guan yin tea leaves are stored in special silos and cellars to promote subsequent maturation.

Oolong tea can be produced in South Fujian, north Fujian, Guangdong, and Taiwan. Fujian has the longest production history, the largest output, and the best quality of Oolong tea, especially Anxi Tieguanyin tea and Wuyi Rock tea.

In general, tieguanyin is green, and the aged tieguanyin is black and glossy, and quite brew-resistant. It is refined by using superior Anxi Tieguanyin and traditional wood carbon baking technology after a long time. And it must be re-baked every one or two years; Each time the tea master will bake in carbon melting mode for 30-60 hours, And then package and stored it in the Wa Fou(“瓦缶”).

Tieguanyin brews with natural orchid fragrance, pure and strong taste, and lasting aroma, and is known as “Lingering fragrance after 7 steeps”. The tea leaves are dull in color, and the liquor is dark yellow, brown, or reddish-brown. It tastes mild and slightly sweet after brewing.

How To Make Tie Guan Yin Tea?

The proper teaware for brewing Tieguanyin tea is Gai Wan or Purple Clay (Zisha) Teapot.