Taiwanese Tea: An Intro

My tea journey to Taiwan started many, many years ago in the summer of 2016. Before then, I was primarily a consumer of one type of tea: Dragonwell and dabbled in oolongs. 

There is often times a bridge in our lives, a time in which we distinctly remember the how it was before and know that the after will never be the same again. 

That bridge moment happened to me in the streets of Shenkeng, and where an old tea master had invited me and my friends to sit down and taste some traditionally brewed Taiwanese high mountain oolong. This lightly roasted oolong found in the mountains with the highest of altitudes boasts a unique taste of mountains, clouds, and lush green tea farms. 

He took out his yixing clay pot, steeped it for a minute while I watched in wonder, gauging with the ease with which his hands glided between the different components, as if this was as casual as me preparing a glass of water to drink in the morning. 

On my first sip, I felt it - the bold flavor, the spirit of the leaf, and something even more gripping: knowing that this was it, I wasn't getting any fresher than this. I eagerly bought a couple bags and went on my way. 

In 2021, I went back again and spent 6 months studying with a tea mentor, where I would diligently taste different types of teas, took a course on the process from leaf > tea, understand oxidation, fermentation, and steep times. It is very common to wander into any tea shop, start chatting it up with the owner, and they're more than happy to give you some samplers of any tea you're curious about. It has now become the *only* way in which I can purchase my teas. Taste before buying!! It's also a very Taiwanese thing to be very hospitable in shops, especially to foreigners/visitors. 

The history of tea in Taiwan is a storied tapestry, woven from threads of tradition, geography, and the confluence of cultures. This small island, known for its towering mountains and verdant landscapes, has cultivated an international reputation for producing some of the world’s finest teas.

Climbing the Peaks of Perfection: Taiwan's Tea-Growing Regions

Taiwan is blessed with high mountains and a subtropical climate, creating the perfect conditions for tea cultivation. Let's visit the most prominent tea-growing regions that have contributed to the island's fame as a tea haven.

1. Nantou County Nantou, located in the heart of Taiwan, is synonymous with tea. Home to the renowned Dong Ding mountain, it is famed for its Dong Ding Oolong Tea. The mist-enveloped landscape provides an ideal environment for the tea plants, giving the tea a unique floral aroma and a smooth, creamy taste.

2. Alishan Mountain Range The high-altitude Alishan region is one of Taiwan's most famous tea-growing areas. Its Oolong tea is characterized by a refreshing aroma and a sweet, buttery taste. Alishan teas are often highly prized for their quality and complexity.

3. Pinglin District in New Taipei Pinglin is nestled in a lush valley almost entirely dedicated to the cultivation of tea. It is renowned for its Baozhong Tea, with a light fermentation process that results in a delicate flavor profile.

4. Yuchi Township in Nantou County Yuchi is famous for Sun Moon Lake, surrounded by tea plantations that produce the unique Ruby Red Tea, or Red Jade Tea, known for its minty and spicy notes.

5. Muzha District in Taipei Muzha is well-known for its Iron Goddess (Tieguanyin) Tea, which offers a distinctive roasted taste due to the longer fermentation process it undergoes.

A Global Brew: The Influence of Taiwanese Tea

The excellence of Taiwanese tea has garnered a fervent following across the globe. Oolong teas like Tieguanyin and Baozhong are celebrated for their rich flavors and craftsmanship, while the Ruby Red Tea stands out as a unique offering in the international tea market. Taiwanese tea has also influenced the global tea culture, with Taiwanese tea ceremonies and the bubble tea phenomenon contributing to the worldwide tea narrative.

In Conclusion: A Legacy Steeped in Flavor

The history of tea in Taiwan is a rich blend of imported traditions and innovative cultivation, with the island's tea-growing regions playing a pivotal role in crafting its legacy. As Taiwanese teas continue to seduce palates around the world, the spirit of Taiwan is carried in every cup, steeped in the misty hills and the legacies of its past. The enduring allure of Taiwanese tea lies not just in its flavor but also in its story—a narrative that continues to unfold one leaf at a time.