Iron Goddess Oolong Tea
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Oolong tea is semi fermented which is one of the reasons it has such a unique character. The semi fermentation gives the tea a little bit more body than a green tea but less body than a black tea ... and interestingly it gives the flavor a very unique twist. You will see (particularly in the infused leaf) that the edges of the leaves are slightly bruised (brownish). The reason for this is that the leaves are lightly bruised to start the oxidation process. Because they are more full bodied than green teas, oolong teas must not be picked too early or at too tender a stage. They must be produced immediately. Unlike leaves for green tea, those destined to be oolong are wilted in the direct sun and then shaken in tubular bamboo baskets to bruise the leaf edges. The bruising is what makes the edges oxidize faster than the center. After 15-25 minutes (depending upon ambient temperature and humidity levels) the tea is fired, locking in the special flavor profile.
There are several grades of Ti Kuan Yin (a.k.a Iron Goddess of Mercy). This particular type is the premium grade - below the superior grade but has many of the characteristics of top Ti Kuan Yin Oolongs. It has been written that Ti Kuan Yin is at first bitter, then sweet and finishes with a fragrance, which lingers on your palate. We find this particular grade is sweet with a fragrant finish and has no bitter notes.
The name Iron Goddess of Mercy came from a farmer named Mr. Wei. At the temple dedicated to Kuan Yin he was asked what the name of his special tea is. It must be called Ti Kuan Yin in honor of the iron statue to Kuan Yin he replied. As the name was a good one, it has never been changed.
Ingredients: Oolong tea
ANTIOXIDANT LEVEL: High
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Low
KOSHER: Yes
VEGETARIAN: Yes
VEGAN: Yes
IDEAL BREWING TEMPERATURE: 100ºC/212ºF
|
TEA CUP |
8oz (237ml) |
10oz (296ml) |
12oz (355ml) |
|
Amount |
1 heaping teaspoon |
1 heaping teaspoon |
1.5 heaping teaspoon |
|
MILD |
2-3 min |
2-3 min |
2-3 min |
|
MEDIUM |
4-5 min |
4-5 min |
4-5 min |
|
STRONG |
6-7 min |
6-7 min |
6-7 min |
|
We recommend 4-5 min |
|||
|
TEA POT |
18oz (532ml) |
36oz (1064ml) |
48oz (1419ml) |
|
AMOUNT |
2 heaping teaspoons |
1 heaping teaspoon |
2 heaping teaspoons |
|
MILD |
2-3 min |
2-3 min |
2-3 min |
|
MEDIUM |
4-5 min |
4-5 min |
4-5 min |
|
STRONG |
6-7 min |
6-7 min |
6-7 min |
|
We recommend 4-5 min |
|||
|
MILK |
SUGAR |
LEMON |
MINT |
|
NO |
NO |
NO | NO |
Place 6 slightly heaping teaspoons of loose tea or 6 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea or removing the tea bags. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water. (Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.)
Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea or 1 tea bag into a teapot for each serving required. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the tea. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea or removing the bags. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving. Sweeten and/or add lemon to taste. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted. (Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about!)
ANTIOXIDANT BENEFIT: For a greater antioxidant benefit brew longer and use more tea.
FOOD SAFETY ADVISORY: We strongly recommend using filtered or freshly drawn cold water brought to a rolling boil when brewing all types of tea. Today's water has been known to carry viruses, parasites and bacteria. Boiling the water will kill these elements and reduce the potential incidence of water-borne illnesses.
International - Please be sure of duties, and or if the product is allowed to be imported.