Origin: Jingmai Manjing, Yunnan, China

Dong Feng Mei Ren (Oriental Beauty) is a famous oolong, which originated in the Hsinchu province of Taiwan. Our tea grower moved from Taiwan to Yunnan, China a few years ago and brought along with him a vast knowledge, artistry, and experience with this type of tea.

Most Yunnan tea plant varietals (better known as big leaf Dayeh varietals) are not very conducive to making Oriental Beauty. This prompted our grower toimport tea plants from Hsinchu to Yunnan and start a small oolong tea garden on the saddle of a mountain.

On our last visit to Yunnan in Spring 2011, we visited this garden. Even though the terroir is very different than the Taiwanese geography, the results have been very impressive. In fact, we feel the Oriental Beauty from here surpasses others in aroma and flavor.

The plants of this varietal of oolong tend to attract a small Jassid ‘leaf hopper’ insect that bites on the newly sprouted tips. This starts a live oxidation of the leaf and provides a unique flavor profile. Oxidation in all other teas happens after the leaves have been plucked. The oxidation stage in making oolong is when aroma starts to develop.

Brewing Instructions:

Water Temp: 190°F

Quality of Water: Spring  Water/ Filtered Water

Quantity of Leaf (tsp/8 oz water): 1

Steep Time: 3-4 minutes

Number of Infusions: 3-4