Phoenix #1 Iron Goddess of Mercy Oolong

Description

Phoenix #1 Iron Goddess of Mercy Oolong

Phoenix #1 Iron Goddess of Mercy Oolong is a special Oolong Tea. The flavor is very smooth, without any bitterness. It has a light amber color, with floral notes, which some say is like orchids. Phoenix #1 also has a lighter taste than other Oolongs. The tea leaf itself has brownish edges due to the slight bruising they are given to start the oxidation process. The steeped tea has a bit more body than a green tea.  It’s also considered a premium Oolong, which accounts for the higher price.

So, what’s behind Oolong tea and the Phoenix #1 moniker? There are several stories about the origin of Ti Kuan Yin Oolong tea, but most agree that it started with a Mr. Wei. Mr. Wei, a tea grower in Sand County, Fujian had a dream in which a spirit advised him that a treasure was awaiting him behind a temple dedicated to Kuan-Yin, Goddess of Mercy. The statue of Kuan-Yin was iron, according to the legend. Upon his discovery of the treasure he was to share it with his neighbors. The next day he diligently searched for the treasure but could only find a tiny tea shoot. Even though he was disappointed, he took the tea shoot home and cared for it extremely well for the next 2 years. At the end of the 2-year period the tea bush yielded 1 kilo of tea. He brewed some in a lidded bowl and noticed an unusual fragrance plus the fact that the flavor remained pure and strong even after several additions of water. To ensure his good luck and to follow the spirit’s guidelines he took care of the bush with renewed enthusiasm. Within a few years the original tea bush fathered hundreds of trees and shrubs, which he shared with his neighbors.

There are several grades of Ti Kuan Yin Oolong, with this variety being considered the best, hence the #1 grade. Phoenix is a nod to Phoenix Mountain, which is where Oolong tea originated. So, we have Phoenix #1 Iron Goddess of Mercy Oolong Tea.

If you are into unique teas, then you also need to check out our Quanzhou Milk Oolong Tea. It’s very unique itself in that it’s scent and taste is like steamed milk. To take a look, please click HERE.

Hot Brewing Instructions: Bring filtered or freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 heaping teaspoon of loose tea for each 7-9oz of water in the tea cup or teapot. Briefly infuse with freshly boiled water to “wake up” the tea leaves and discard the liquid. Re-infuse the tea for about 1 minute or longer to taste and serve.

Alternate Instructions: Put 1 tsp. of loose tea for each 7-9oz of water in the teapot. Pour freshly boiled water over tea. Steep 3-4 min. Milk & sugar are not recommended.