Taiwan’s unique topography and climate make it an ideal tea growing region. Combined with an abundance of fresh water and fertile soil, Taiwan is a leading producer of high mountain oolong and green teas.
Oolongs are typically harvested three to four times a year, with Spring and Fall being the best seasons for production. The leaves are then processed and stored for future brewing.
Origins
The origins of 台灣茶 are somewhat complicated, spanning several hundred years. In the late 17th century Chinese settlers brought tea trees from Fujian province, only 90 miles to the west of the island.
The plants that were brought were Camellia sinensis, which is the same plant that grows in China but has a unique terroir on Taiwan. It is the Taiwanese people who adapted the cultivated plants and created their own unique brand of tea.
Several different types of tea are grown in Taiwan, including green, black and oolong. The amount of oxidation that the tea leaves undergo after being harvested determines the type of tea.
Cultivation
Taiwan has a unique climate and mountainous terrain, which makes it ideal for the cultivation of tea. This has resulted in a variety of different teas being grown here that have developed their own unique characteristics.
The most famous teas in Taiwan are Oolong and Paochong, but there are also black and green teas as well. These are all produced from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, and each has a different level of oxidation which changes its flavor and aroma.
Taiwan has an indigenous oolong variety that has been cultivated there for thousands of years. This tea is very high in quality and it’s said to be one of the best oolong teas in the world.
Processing
Taiwan is a small island with a diverse array of tea regions that offer unique flavors. This is largely due to the island’s unique geography and terroir.
When harvesting Taiwan tea, the leaves are typically hand picked from the stems of the young stalk. This soft picking method helps the tea leaves become more malleable during subsequent processing steps.
In the first step of processing tea, a process called Solar Withering (outdoor withering), the leaves are spread out on tarps and are allowed to wilt and dehydrate in the sun.
After this stage, the leaves are panned to soften them and make them easier to roll. Depending on the type of tea, this rolling process may be done by hand or by machine.
Flavors
The island of Taiwan is a tea lover’s paradise, with all its diverse climates and sprawling mountains providing an ideal environment for growing tea. Its terroir allows for different teas from each region to develop their own unique flavor profiles and special qualities.
One of the most popular oolongs in Taiwan is Four Seasons Spring (Qing Xin Qing Xin). This oolong is unique to the island and produces an oolong tea that has a fresh, floral aroma and a fruity character.
Another tea that is gaining popularity in recent years is Bai Hao Oolong (Oriental Beauty). This oolong is also unique to the island and has a sweeter, more delicate flavor than other oolongs produced on the island.
Health Benefits
Tea is a natural health aid that can help you maintain your overall well-being. This ancient drink is made from the leaves of a plant called Camellia sinensis.
It is the leaf’s antioxidants that give it its many benefits. These compounds can improve your immune system, lower cholesterol levels, reduce high blood sugar and insulin resistance, and even protect your teeth.
Taiwan tea is an excellent source of these polyphenols. They can also fight off free radicals that cause disease in your body.
Taiwan has a range of different types of tea to choose from, including oolong and black teas. There are even specialty tea stores around the country where you can try a sample before you buy.
