The Legendary Chinese Oolong Tea - Anxi Iron Goddess of Mercy

The History and Significance of Anxi Oolong Tea

Anxi oolong, also known as Tie Guan Yin or Iron Goddess of Mercy, is a legendary oolong tea that originates from Anxi county in the Fujian province of China. With a history spanning over 400 years, Anxi oolong remains one of the most prized Chinese teas for its unique appearance, fragrance and taste.

The Legend Behind Anxi Oolong Tea

According to legend, the origin of Anxi oolong tea dates back to the Qing Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Kangxi. A tea farmer named Wei Yin was one day picking tea at a temple when he noticed a tealeaf with an unusual and enticing aroma. He quickly plucked it and saw that the tealeaf was bitten by a snake. Inspired by this, Wei roasted some tea according to this model which resulted in an unparalleled tea that was named Tie Guan Yin or Iron Goddess of Mercy by the nearby monks.

The name Tie Guan Yin likens the tea to the Buddhist bodhisattva Guan Yin known for her mercy and compassion. The tea is seen as a gift from Guan Yin herself with qualities of purity, soothing calmness and divine inspiration.

Where Anxi Oolong Tea is Grown

Authentic Anxi oolong hails from the Anxi county located in the mountainous central part of Fujian province. The combination of high altitude, abundant rainfall, rocky mountain soil and semi-tropical climate gives Anxi the ideal conditions to produce superior quality oolong tea.

The tea bushes used to produce Anxi oolong are cultivated at altitudes of around 1,000 feet or higher. Only the tender new shoots called one leaf and one bud are plucked to make this tea. The rocky mineral-rich soil in this mountainous region lends Anxi oolong its distinctive mineral flavors.

How Anxi Oolong Tea is Produced

The production of Anxi oolong involves unique procurement and processing methods that have been perfected over centuries.

The tea leaves are first withered and bruised under the sun before going through repeated rounds of tossing and shaking. This helps remove moisture from the leaves and kickstarts oxidation. The leaves are then left to oxidize further which builds complex flavors before halting the oxidation through baking.

Highly skilled tea masters closely monitor every step to determine the right moment to transition between steps based on factors like weather, moisture and the aromas being released. This skill and precision is what gives Anxi oolong its superior taste and quality consistently every season.

Brewing the Perfect Cup of Anxi Oolong Tea

While high quality Anxi oolong guarantees great tea, perfecting the brewing process elevates the tasting experience even further. Follow these tips for best results:

Water Temperature - Hot But Not Boiling

Anxi oolong brews optimally at temperatures between 180°F to 200°F. Heating water until small bubbles start to form at the bottom of the kettle is ideal. Boiling water may burn the delicate tea leaves, resulting in bitter flavors.

Teaware - Gaiwans or Clay Teapots

Brew Anxi oolong gongfu style in a gaiwan or clay teapot so the tea can open up fully to the heated vessel. This enhances the flavor considerably compared to infusers or strainers. Rinse the vessel with hot water first to maintain optimal brewing temperatures.

Tea Quantity - Around 3-5g Per 6oz Cup

For every 6 ounces of water, use roughly 3 to 5 grams of loose leaf Anxi oolong. Adjust tea quantity depending on personal preference. More tea results in stronger flavor while less leaf produces a lighter brew.

Steeping Time - Under 1 Minute

Anxi oolong teas are best brewed using shorter infusions of 30 to 50 seconds per steeping. Make sure to keep infusing times under a minute to prevent oversteeping the delicate leaves.

Number of Infusions - At least 5 Rounds

One of the hallmarks of fine oolong tea is enduring flavor and aroma even through multiple infusions. High quality Anxi oolong can easily produce 5 sweet rounds if not more when brewed gongfu style. Just adjust steeping times across infusions as flavor lightens.

The Different Flavors and Varieties of Anxi Oolong Tea

Within the broad classification of Anxi oolong tea, there exists many different cultivars and flavors.

Floral and Honey Notes

Spring and early summer harvest Anxi oolongs exhibit lovely floral bouquets reminiscent of orchids, osmanthus flowers, gardenias and honeysuckle layered over fresh honey aromas. These teas make wonderfully fragrant and sweet brews.

Fruity and Peachy Undertones

The mineral rich terroir of Anxi produces many oolongs with mineral fruit notes of peaches, apricots and lychees underlying the floral tones. These fruity aspects shine through beautifully in the cup.

Green Vegetal Qualities

Some Anxi oolongs retain their fresh green vegetal character of steamed greens, fresh chestnut and subtle vegetable nuances through careful processing. These oolongs have a lovely emerald liquor in the cup.

Toasty and Roasted Finishes

Heavily roasted varieties of Anxi oolong called charcoal roasted Tie Guan Yin have intense toasty and roasted flavors reminiscent of charcoal grill and baked bread. These make wonderfully comforting brews evoking cozy fireplaces.

The Many Health Benefits of Anxi Oolong Tea

In traditional Chinese medicine, Anxi oolong tea is revered as a healthy elixir that nourishes and purifies the body from within.

Packed with Antioxidants

Like all teas, Anxi oolong contains high levels of antioxidants called polyphenols that counter damaging free radicals and chronic inflammation in the body. However, the added processing of oolong boosts these beneficial compounds even higher.

Aids Digestion

The polyphenols and cafestol compounds found in Anxi oolong have been shown to stimulate digestion, relieve stomach aches and ease nausea issues. Enjoy a cup after heavy meals for comfortable digestion.

Supports Heart Health

Regular consumption of Anxi oolong tea can reduce bad cholesterol levels in the blood and lower high blood pressure - two main risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

Helps Manage Diabetes

Compounds in Anxi oolong help regulate insulin and blood sugar levels making this a beneficial beverage for people with Type 2 diabetes. Sipping this fragrant tea also satiates sweet cravings in a healthy way.

Beyond physical benefits, the very act of steeping and savoring Anxi oolong makes for a relaxing self-care ritual that calms the mind. The Chinese have always known - good tea nourishes you inside out!

FAQs

What does Anxi oolong taste like?

Anxi oolong features lovely floral notes like orchids and honey with sweet fruity qualities of peach, lychee and apricot. The mineral rich terroir lends a refreshing aftertaste. The flavor differs across harvest seasons and levels of roasting.

Is Anxi oolong good for weight loss?

Anxi oolong contains antioxidants called polyphenols that boost metabolism and fat oxidation in the body. It also suppresses fat absorption from foods. So drinking Anxi oolong may support modest weight loss as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.

How much caffeine does Anxi oolong contain?

Compared to black teas and green teas, Anxi oolong contains relatively lower caffeine levels of approximately 30-55mg per 8 ounce cup. However, caffeine content can vary slightly across specific cultivars and harvest seasons.

When during the day should I drink Anxi oolong?

You can safely enjoy Anxi oolong tea at any part of the day. The moderate caffeine levels make it ideal for perking you up in the mornings without disrupting sleep cycles. The mellow taste also pairs perfectly with after-meal digestion.

Is Anxi oolong tea acidic?

Anxi oolong has a pH level ranging from 6.4 to 6.9, giving it lower acidity compared to black teas and coffee. This makes Anxi oolong a great option for people with sensitive digestion and acid reflux issues who want to avoid highly acidic drinks.