A tea lover writes: Hello, I’ve recently been learning about tea and have read many introductions to Tieguanyin, which left me with several questions. What kind of tea is Tieguanyin anyway? Is it green tea? Or is it oolong or black tea?
What is Tieguanyin Tea? Variety and Traditional Processing Methods
Hello! We are delighted to receive your message. The world of tea is indeed filled with endless knowledge to explore. Regarding the Tieguanyin tea you mentioned, let us give you a quick introduction.
Tieguanyin is a tea plant variety. Theoretically, it can be made into oolong tea, black tea, green tea, white tea, or even Pu’er tea. However, its cultivar characteristics are best suited for oolong tea, which is why over 95% of Tieguanyin is processed into oolong tea, such as Anxi Tieguanyin from Fujian, China, and Muzha Tieguanyin from Taiwan.
The Tieguanyin variety first appeared in Anxi County, Fujian Province. Legend has it that a tea farmer was inspired by Guanyin (the Goddess of Mercy) in a dream to find this tea tree in the mountains, hence naming it “Tieguanyin” (Iron Goddess of Mercy). Over hundreds of years of development, it gradually evolved into a specific production method for oolong tea featuring medium fermentation and medium-to-heavy roasting. This tea is none other than Anxi Tieguanyin, one of China’s Top Ten Famous Teas. Muzha Tieguanyin, which later spread to Taiwan, largely inherits this traditional production method.
Medium-to-heavily roasted Tieguanyin features tightly knotted, heavy leaves. Depending on the degree of fermentation and roasting, its color ranges from greenish-brown to dark red. When brewed, the liquor is clear with a lingering aroma and a smooth, rich taste. Depending on the craftsmanship, the flavor profile of Tieguanyin may lean towards floral, fruity, mellow notes, or even a hint of milk.
Is Tieguanyin Green Tea? Or Black Tea or Oolong Tea?
Tieguanyin is a tea tree variety. Theoretically, it can be made into green tea, black tea, or oolong tea, but in reality, over 95% of it is crafted into oolong tea. Taiwanese Tieguanyin green tea is quite rare—the shopkeeper has only ever seen it once as an experimental product from a tea factory. Tieguanyin black tea is also produced in Taiwan, primarily using summer tea leaves, and is mostly made-to-order. It is rich and full-bodied, but due to high leaf costs and complex production methods, it tends to be more expensive.
We hope this answers your questions and gives you a deeper appreciation of Tieguanyin. If you are interested in other types of tea, feel free to drop us a line anytime! Enjoy your tea journey!