Tie Guan Yin, also known as Iron Goddess of Mercy, is a renowned Chinese oolong tea celebrated for its floral aroma and complex flavor profile. Its leaves are tightly rolled into small, glossy pellets that unfurl upon steeping, releasing layers of orchid-like fragrance and a smooth, lingering sweet taste. The unique partial oxidation of Tie Guan Yin gives it a distinct character that bridges the gap between green and black teas, offering a robust flavor that evolves with multiple infusions.
Originating from Anxi in Fujian Province, China, Tie Guan Yin is named after the Buddhist deity Guanyin. It was first cultivated in the 19th century and has since become one of China’s top ten teas. The tea thrives in Anxi's cool, misty mountains, which provide ideal conditions for its distinctive growth. The meticulous cultivation process involves precise timing of plucking and expert handling during oxidation, which is crucial for developing its signature aroma and taste.
Tie Guan Yin Tea carries a rich folklore that often depicts the discovery of the tea plant by a poor farmer near an abandoned temple dedicated to Guanyin. Out of gratitude for the tea's economic boon, the farmer restored the temple, with the tea named in honor of the deity. This story underlines the tea’s cultural reverence and its integral role in Chinese tea ceremonies, symbolizing compassion and transformation.
While Tie Guan Yin enjoys widespread popularity across China, it is particularly beloved in its province of origin, Fujian, as well as among overseas Chinese communities. Its reputation for high quality has made it a staple in global tea markets, often served in Chinese restaurants and tea houses where connoisseurs appreciate its rich heritage and exquisite flavor profile.
Bi Luo Chun, known as "Green Snail Spring," is one of China's famous green teas, highly regarded for its delicate flavor and floral aroma. It is named for its tightly rolled leaves that resemble snail meat, and is harvested early spring when the buds are young and tender. The tea is covered with fine, silvery hairs, which contribute to its slightly fruity taste and sweet, lingering finish, making it a delicate yet complex tea.
Bi Luo Chun originates from the Dongting mountains of Jiangsu Province, with its production dating back to the Sui Dynasty. The tea grows intertwined with fruit trees, which is believed to impart the leaves with their naturally fruity aroma—a distinctive cultivation method that highlights the unique agricultural practices of the region.
Originally known as "Xia Sha Ren Xiang" (scary fragrance), Bi Luo Chun was renamed by an emperor of the Qing Dynasty who was impressed by its rich aroma and appearance. Its history is deeply embedded in Chinese culture, often associated with royalty and the refined tastes of scholars and high officials.
Bi Luo Chun Green Tea is immensely popular in its native region of Jiangsu and is gaining recognition worldwide, especially in areas with a refined taste for lighter green teas. It is particularly favored during the Chinese New Year and other festive occasions, symbolizing renewal and new beginnings, and is a prized gift among tea lovers.