“Zhuoyan tea,” “Zhuohui tea,” and “Zhuoxian tea” sound intriguing and unfamiliar—what kind of teas are these? Today, let’s unveil their mystery and discover what makes them so special!
What are Zhuoyan / Zhuohui / Zhuoxian Tea?
Actually, “Zhuoyan tea,” “Zhuohui tea,” and “Zhuoxian tea” all refer to the same type of tea. “Zhuoyan” is pronounced in Taiwanese Hokkien, where “zhuo” means “to suffer from” or “to experience,” while “yan,” “hui,” and “xian” are phonetic representations referring to a tiny insect called “yan-zai,” commonly known as the green leafhopper.
So-called “Zhuoyan tea” is made from tea leaves that have been nibbled on by these green leafhoppers. Doesn’t that make the name instantly come alive? (Can you spot the green leafhopper right in the middle of the two photos below?)
What are the Characteristics of Zhuoyan / Zhuohui / Zhuoxian Tea?
The “green leafhopper” was initially considered a pest by tea farmers because it feeds on tea leaves, stunting their growth. Miraculously, farmers later discovered that the nibbled leaves, after fermentation, give off a rich fruity or honey-like aroma—a naturally occurring unique flavor that tea lovers treasure like gold. Clever Taiwanese tea farmers began utilizing this characteristic to develop a unique tea-making craft, which is Taiwan’s signature “Zhuoyan tea”ing process.
Which Teas Belong to the Zhuoyan / Zhuohui / Zhuoxian Family?
The most famous, of course, is Oriental Beauty Tea, also known as Pong Fong Tea or Oriental Beauty Oolong. This is a heavily oxidized oolong tea with a rich fruity or honey aroma.
In addition, Honey Black Tea is a fully oxidized black tea also made from leaves nibbled by green leafhoppers, offering a sweet, smooth, and uniquely flavorful brew. Other varieties include Zhuoyan White Tea, Honey Oolong, and Zhuoyan Black Tea.
Aside from their natural ripe fruit and honey aromas, Zhuoyan teas share another undeniable advantage: the tea gardens are pesticide-free. Because the green leafhopper is the key player in making these teas, the plantations must maintain natural, chemical-free management to attract enough “yan-zai.” This aligns with the trend toward healthy teas, making Zhuoyan teas not only a favorite among locals in Taiwan but also one of the most beloved Taiwanese teas among tea enthusiasts in Europe, America, and Japan.