Qingxin Oolong and SiJiChun are among the top 3 tea varietals in Taiwan by production volume, and both are very popular in the tea world. But what are the differences between them? If you’re wondering which tea to buy, this article will help you understand the characteristics and differences of these two tea varietals.
Differences and Characteristics of Qingxin Oolong and SiJiChun
| Category | Qingxin Oolong | SiJiChun |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Anxi, Fujian, China | Muzha, Taipei City, Taiwan |
| Suitable Teas | Baozhong, Dong Ding Oolong, High Mountain Oolong, Lightly Fermented Oolong | Lightly Fermented Oolong Tea |
| Yield | Low, harvested 2-4 times a year | High, harvested 6-7 times a year |
| Leaf Type | Small-leaf varietal | Small-leaf varietal |
| Early/Late Sprouting | Late-sprouting varietal | Early-sprouting varietal |
| Main Producing Regions | Lowlands to tea regions at 2,500 meters altitude | Low-to-medium altitude tea regions below 500 meters |
| Flavor Profile | Orchid aroma / fruity notes, delicate texture | Gentle taste, gardenia / white ginger lily aroma |
| Price Range | Higher | Mid to low range |
Due to its affordable price, SiJiChun is also commonly used as a base tea for bubble tea and shaken beverages. However, a low price doesn’t mean poor quality; it’s mainly due to its higher yield. In contrast, Qingxin Oolong has a lower yield, but it shares the characteristic of higher altitude equalling better quality. Therefore, high-altitude Qingxin Oolong accounts for over 90% of production in those regions, and the higher the altitude, the greater the share.
Both of these tea cultivars are exceptional in terms of yield and quality. Easily found in tea shops and bubble tea stores, be sure not to miss out on these two fine Taiwanese teas.