Oolong teas from Taiwan

Tea cultivation only began in Taiwan in the mid 19th century and many teas that were produced in Fujian have been since also produced there. Since the 1970s, teas and the industry in Taiwan has developed swiftly and substantially, alongside with the emerging economy. Accordingly, the major buyers of Taiwan tea are usually in the domestic market, with very small quantity left for foreign market.

Qualities of the teas in Taiwan are usually affected by the year and season, growers and areas of production. Different areas have different weather patterns, temperatures, altitudes and soil that ultimately result in the differences of teas. In some mountain areas, teas have been cultivated at ever higher elevations to produce a unique sweet taste that fetches a price premium.

There is usually an extremely wide variation in the prices of Taiwan tea. Affordable teas usually cost around dozens of dollars per kilogram, while quality teas produced by reputed grower and superior areas can cost up to several hundreds dollars. Some very rare awarded teas–also called “champion tea”, which are graded as best selections in official contests, may reach thousands dollars in auctions.

Dòng Dǐng (凍頂)

A pelleted tea known as Cold Summit. Dong Ding is a mountain in Nantou County of central Taiwan. It was the original tea growing area and produces some of the most prized tea in Taiwan. Alishan (Mt. Ali) and Li Shan (Mt. Pear) are higher mountain teas with lower yields and even more sought after for the velvety smooth clean “qing xiang” light fragrance. This fragrance is almost addictive and no other oolong teas except for the Taiwan high mountain varieties have it. The prices range between US$40 and $100 (Mt. Ali and Mt. Pear respectively) per 600 g (taizhin unit) for decent grades. Prize winning grades are exorbitant in price, and merely opening a pouch or canister of these prize-winning teas can fill a house with their fragrance.

Dong Fang Mei Ren (東方美人茶)

Also known as Bai Hao Oolong tea or Oriental Beauty. This tea is a tippy tea, with natural fruity aromas that produces a sweet tasting bright red tea liquor.

Alishan (阿里山茶)

This has large rolled leaves that have a purple-green appearance when dry. It is grown in Chiayi County, Taiwan at an elevation of from 3000 to 4500 feet. There is a short period of the day with full sun and this produces a sweeter and less astringent brew. It produces a golden yellow liquid which has a unique fruity aroma.

Pouchong

The lightest and most floral Oolong, originally grown in Fujian it is now widely cultivated and produced in Pinglin Township near Taipei, Taiwan.