- Hand harvested from traditional Te Guan Yin tea bushes grown in Taiwan
- Named after the legendary Goddess of Mercy, symbolising grace and strength
- Offers an earthy, toasty flavour with notes of roasted nuts and smooth depth
- Ideal for multiple infusions, with evolving character over five steepings
- Reflects centuries of craftsmanship and cultural reverence
- 100% natural ingredients, free from additives, colourants, and preservatives
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
- Packed in 100g vacuum sealed bag to preserve freshness
Nigiro Taiwanese Te Guan Yin Oolong, often called the Iron Goddess of Mercy, is one of the most iconic and enduring oolong teas in Chinese and Taiwanese tea culture. Originally cultivated in China's Fujian Province, Te Guan Yin has become a celebrated part of Taiwan's tea craftsmanship, prized for its rich flavour, smooth body, and the spiritual story that lies behind its name.
The legend of Te Guan Yin dates back to centuries past, when a poor but devoted farmer maintained a small, neglected temple dedicated to Guan Yin, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Despite his hardships, the farmer cleaned the temple, burned incense, and prayed faithfully. One night, Guan Yin appeared to him in a dream, instructing him to search behind the temple where he would find a treasure. There, hidden among the rocks, he discovered a unique tea bush. The farmer nurtured the plant, and its leaves produced an extraordinary tea unlike any other. In honour of the Goddess, he named it Te Guan Yin, meaning "Iron Goddess of Mercy". The word "iron" symbolises the strength and resilience of the tea, while "Goddess of Mercy" reflects the compassion and grace it represents.
Today, Taiwanese Te Guan Yin is crafted with skill and patience, using a specific tea cultivar descended from those early bushes. The dark, tightly rolled leaves unfurl during infusion, revealing their deep character. The tea offers a toasty, earthy flavour reminiscent of roasted nuts, balanced by a lingering smoothness and long aftertaste. It is highly suited to multiple infusions, with each round revealing new layers of aroma and complexity.
Whether enjoyed for its bold, comforting taste or its connection to tradition and folklore, Te Guan Yin remains a tea of both strength and quiet elegance.
Serving suggestion:
We recommend brewing oolong tea with water at around 85 degrees Celsius. Steep the tea for approximately 3 minutes, then taste to see if the strength suits your preference. If you desire a stronger brew, you may steep it for another minute or two. Use a teapot with an infuser for best results. If a teapot is not available, an infuser ball, infuser cup, or a fine mesh strainer will also work well. For each serving, use about 3 to 4 grams of loose leaf tea, or roughly one teaspoon. This tea may be steeped a second time; simply extend the brewing time to draw out the remaining flavour.
Please note:
Images are for illustration purposes only. Packaging may vary per batch, and the tea portions may differ from those shown in the images.
What's in the box
1 x Nigiro Taiwanese Te Guan Yin Oolong Tea 100g
