Good morning, sippers! Today, I am going to be talking with you about one of special teas that we carry hear at Good Life Tea, our Ti Kuan Yin Oolong tea!
As was previously said, our Ti Kuan Yin is an oolong tea in addition to being one of the most well-liked and sought after varieties of Chinese tea. Oolong teas, for those who are just joining us, are a hybrid variety that combine elements of green tea and black tea. Because the tea leaves in oolong teas have undergone both wilting and steaming, the flavor of oolong teas can range from that of a black tea to that of a green tea, depending on how long each of the processes the leaves have been subjected to. In the terms of our Ti Kuan Yin, you will find a flavor profile falling closer to that of the green end of the spectrum but will be pleasantly surprised by the darker notes, known typically to black teas. Ti Kuan Yin tea is a staple in many Chinese and foreign kitchens, pantries, tea houses, and more. It is also widely considered as one of the best oolongs in the world and has a history that dates back to the 18th century. You may also see Ti Kuan Yin tea referred to as "Iron Goddess" tea elsewhere, and I'll detail exactly why below!
The name "Iron Goddess" comes from a story about a poor farmer who discovered a tea plant beneath an iron statue of Guanyin, the Chinese goddess of mercy. The tea plant was a gift from Guanyin, according to legend, for the farmers honest offerings. Despite the subpar soil and weather conditions, the tea plant was able to grow and produce high-quality leaves. These leaves were then used to make numerous delicious cups of tea and so the Ti Kuan Yin tea came to be. The tea plant, or Camellia Sinensis plant, is known as a resilient plant and the legend and existence of Ti Kuan Yin tea is a perfect example of this. We like to mention this to sippers who may be needing a bit of strength or perseverance in their own lives and encourage them to sip this tea to help.
We also discussed briefly above that Ti Kuan Yin is a highly desired and sought after tea. Because of its popularity, Ti Kuan Yin can sometimes be hard to find or keep in stock. Its popularity is due to the unique flavor and the benefits associated with sipping this tea. Unfortunately, genuine, high-quality Ti Kuan Yin tea has become increasingly scarce due to the tea's widespread appeal. Although many stores provide a tea they claim is Ti Kuan Yin, it is generally of poor quality and lacks the distinctive aroma and taste of real Ti Kuan Yin. This is because many tea sellers try to save money by cutting costs, such as by using inferior tea leaves or blending their tea with other teas. At Good Life Tea, we refuse to do so and uphold our high standards, especially when it comes to our Ti Kuan Yin tea. We are committed to providing you with real, luxury, and top of the line teas and won't sacrifice flavor for this. We also will always do everything in our power to ensure we have it regularly in stock and available to you.
Now, you probably are a bit curious to hear more about the flavors presented in this celebrated tea. We briefly touched upon them earlier but I'll expand here. As mentioned, in terms of the oolong teas, this one falls closer to the green end of the spectrum. Ti Kuan Yin tea's flavor profile is often described as floral, slightly sweet, and nutty. The tea has a smooth and creamy texture with a slightly roasted flavor that complements the natural sweetness. The tea is well-known for its long-lasting aftertaste, which can last for several minutes on the palate. We suggest trying this tea alongside one of your decadent meals, as letting it and its flavors sit on your palate, encourage you to take time between bites and savor its flavors. This also allows for more time for deep conversations with those you are enjoying your meal with!
In detailing this tea, I also wanted to make sure to include the best brewing methods to ensure that you make the best possible cups of tea for yourself and those you care for. With this tea, we recommend that that steeping water temperature be anywhere from 190-205 degrees Fahrenheit. We also recommend that your steeping time be between 2 and 3 minutes as this tea is more related to the green teas. Over-steeping will result in a bit more of a bitter taste as the tannins in the tea with become evident. For every 8 ounces of water that you will be using, use 1 teaspoon of tea in your infuser (don't forget to check out all of our options for infusers here!). While Ti Kuan Yin is traditionally sipped without any additives, perhaps you prefer your teas a bit sweeter and may want to add some amber sugar crystals or honey. Let us know what you decide and how it turns out!
Ti Kuan Yin tea has been enjoyed for centuries as a delicious and popular tea. With its distinct flavor profile and numerous benefits, it's no surprise that this tea has become a household favorite. Ti Kuan Yin is a great choice for a tasty beverage to enjoy during the day or with a friend. If you do get the chance to try our Ti Kuan Yin, let us know your thoughts. We love to hear from you! Happy sipping and hoping you get to enjoy some of the warm temperatures we have been having this week! - Kaytea :)
P.S. For our local folks, don't forget about the upcoming "Canandaigua Fire & Ice Winter Festival". This festival is happening next weekend, February 18th & 19th and will be featuring a ton of fun winter displays including ice sculpture competitions, sled dogs, and more. Local businesses along Main Street and in the surrounding area (us included, of course!) will be having fun things going on inside their own shops so be sure to save time for exploring!