TIE GUAN YIN CHINA OOLONG TEA

This Oolong is grown on the highest peak in Anxi. It is an area free of pollution with an extraordinarily mineral-rich soil. To ensure the juiciest leaves the tea is picked in the afternoon, this is evident when the tea is infused. The original shape of the silky textured, delicate and glossy leaves emerges from the skilfully, tightly rolled pellets. These leaves are fringed and spotted with an iron red colour. It is this that gives it the deliciously butterscotch fragrance and sweet, fruity flavour that typify the best Tie Guan Yin teas. It takes its name from the Iron Goddess and is sometimes known as Ti Kuan Yin. Legend has it that she made a gift of a special tea bush to a devout Buddhist monk, Wei Yin. Oolong or 'Wu Long' translates as Black Dragon and refers to a method of production that produces a tea somewhere between oxidised black tea and non-oxidised green tea. Dependent on how oxidised they are, we are given an incredible variety of spectacular flavours and fragrances to experience. The processing of these highest quality oolongs is carried out by a tea master whose experience and technique will have been learned over at least thirty years and is as important as the growing conditions to the quality of the final product. They are rich in antioxidants, are believed to lower cholesterol and aid digestion and relaxation.