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Bethanie Cook
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2 Click on a topic to jump to it within this document: Table of Contents Table of Contents Intro Plant Varietals More details: Taiwan Nation Tea Map The List About the List The 12 prevailing cultivars in Taiwan: About the Tea Research and Etension Station (TRES) Taiwan Tea Epertise 2029 ( 29 son ) Ali Shan ( 阿里山 ) Assamica #8 Bai He ( 白鶴 ) (TRES/TTES #16) Bai Lu ( 白鷺 ) (TRES/TTES #17) Bair-Mau-Hour Bai Wen ( 白文 ) (TRES/TTES #14) Bai Yian ( 白燕 ) (TRES/TTES #15) Bannockburn 157 Bao Zhong Bi Yu ( 碧玉 ) (TRES/TTES #19) Black Jade Buddhas Hand Burma Chin-hsin Chin-hsin Da Pa Chinhsuan Chin Shin Chin-Shin-Dahpan Chin Shin Dar Pan Chin-Shin-Gantzy Chin-Shin-Oolong Cui Yu Cuy Yu ( 翠玉 ) (TRES/TTES #13) Da-To-Hwei son Da Yu Ling ( 大禹嶺 ) Dah-Yeh-Oolong Day Lily De-Hua-She Dong Fang Meiren FKK-1 Fo Shou ( 佛手 ) Fong-Huang Formosa Four-season Spring Four Seasons Fragrance of Taiwan Fwu-Jou Gaoshan Gold Lily Golden Tiger Lily Green Heart Green Jade Half Day Perish Hann-Koou Hard Stem Red Heart Hehuacun Shan Cha HeHuan Shan Heritage Aijiao Hong Yu ( 紅玉 ) (TRES/TTES #18) Hong Yun ( 紅韻 ) (TRES/TTES #21) Horng-Shin-Dahpan Hsin Chu Huang Gan Hwang-Gan Jaipuri Jin Xuan ( 金萱 ) (TRES/TTES #12) Joy Mountain JX020 Kimen King of Taiwan High Mountain Kyang Le-Ye Long-Tou Manipuri Mei-Yuan Ming-Hai Nan-Fong Oriental Beauty ( 東方美人茶 ) Oriental Red Paochong (Pouchong) tea Phoobsering 312 Qi Dan Qing Xin ( 青心 ) Qing Xin Da Mao Qing Xin Da Pha Red Jade Ruan Zhi (Egret) Ruby #18 Sacred Lily Shan Shan-1 Shan-2 Shan-3 Shan-4 Shan Lin Xi Shiang-Yuan Shoei-Shian Shui Hsien Shy-Jih-Chuen Si Ji Chun Si-Ji Chuan Soft Stem Taiwan #12 Taiwan #13 Tiee-Guan-In TRES/TTES #1 TRES/TTES #2 TRES/TTES #3 TRES/TTES #4 TRES/TTES #5 TRES/TTES #6 TRES/TTES #7 TRES/TTES #8 TRES/TTES #9 TRES/TTES #10 TRES/TTES #11 TRES/TTES #12 TRES/TTES #13 TRES/TTES #14 TRES/TTES #15 TRES/TTES #16 TRES/TTES #17 TRES/TTES #18 TRES/TTES #19 TRES/TTES #20 TRES/TTES #21 TRES/TTES #22 TTES #335 TTES #983 TTES #1958 Tzuiyu Water Sprite White Crest of Rooster White Hair Monkey Wu Shan Ban Qing Ming Wuu-Yi Xiang Yuan ( 香橼 ) Ying-Jy-Horng-Shin Ying Xiang ( 迎香 ) (TRES/TTES #20) Ying Zhi Hong Xin ( 硬枝红心 ) Yung Kang Some of the Teas We ve Tried Aged Tea 1990 Tea Alishan Oolong Tea Four Seasons Tea Tsuei Luan Tea Black Ruby Teas Da Yu Ling Teas Wen Shan Bao Zhong Teas Dong Ding Teas Formosa Oolong Teas Formosa Green Tea Jade Oolong Tea Jin Xuan Milk Oolong Li Shan Oolong Tea Long Feng Xia Tea Mi Xian Black Butiki Tea Muzha Tie Guan Yin Shan Lin Shi Oolong Tea Shan Ling Xi Tea Shi Zuo Tea Wu Ling Tea Zhong Shu Hu Tea Final Thoughts

Intro There are treasure troves of good information on Taiwanese tea plants, especially cultivars, but it s hidden among a lot of tea sites that are all show and no real substance (even those where

3 Intro There are treasure troves of good information on Taiwanese tea plants, especially cultivars, but it s hidden among a lot of tea sites that are all show and no real substance (even those where the site owners have published books about tea).time to lay out some information on these plants in a little more depth and in a more coordinated manner for all of you fellow Taiwanese tea devotees. Plant Varietals NOTE: This is a compilation of information from various gardening websites. A lot of confusion abounds about what a cultivar is and what plant varieties are. It s simple, really: Cultivar: a plant varietal that is specially created. Regular varietal: occurs naturally. More details: Type: Natural Variety Cultivated Variety Called: varietal cultivars Propagated from: seeds stem cuttings or other techniques Naming style: found growing and reproducing naturally from seed plant characteristics will not necessarily be in offspring, especially if other tea plant varietals are nearby and cross-pollination occurs Genus + species + var. + varietal name assures that the offspring plants retain plant characteristics plant characteristics will not necessarily be in the cultivar plant offspring if they are grown from seeds Genus + species + Cultivar A natural variety name is italicized and in lower case and follows the species name. Sometimes it is preceded by var. (short for varietal ). The name of the cultivar in the full scientific name for a plant follows genus name and species name. Cultivar name is capitalized and in single quotation marks ( ). IMPORTANT NOTE: Cultivars are often patented by the plant developer. A license is usually required to take cuttings from that plant and propagate it. Otherwise, you could get into legal difficulties. For tea gardeners, this means they need to apply for a patent for their plant to protect it and then follow up with anyone growing one of the plants they got from this plant developer to be sure propagations are duly paid for. A lot of time and money can go into developing these cultivars.

4 Taiwan Nation Tea Map (source)

The List About the List This is a consolidation of lists from around the internet.

For many of the cultivars only a little information could be found. For others, there is much information available.

Not all of these plants are currently grown in Taiwan but are considered suitable for such cultivation.

Often the tea is named after the plant that the leaves came from or the region in Taiwan where grown. The 12 prevailing cultivars in Taiwan: 1. Bi Yu (TRES/TTES #19) 2.

Shy-Jih-Chuen 10. TRES/TTES #7 11. TRES/TTES #8 12.

Taiwan to eplore, learn, and get hands on with Taiwanese teas.

5 The List About the List This is a consolidation of lists from around the internet. The cultivar names have been broken up into what looks like their appropriate parts to make reading them a bit easier. For many of the cultivars only a little information could be found. For others, there is much information available. We have selected key cultivars and presented info on them at the end of this chart. Not all of these plants are currently grown in Taiwan but are considered suitable for such cultivation. Photos aren t always available of the tea plants, so some of these have the processed leaves or the liquid or none. Often the tea is named after the plant that the leaves came from or the region in Taiwan where grown. The 12 prevailing cultivars in Taiwan: 1. Bi Yu (TRES/TTES #19) 2. Chin-Shin-Dahpan 3. Chin-Shin-Gantzy 4. Chin-Shin-Oolong 5. Cuy Yu (TRES/TTES #13) 6. Hong Yu (TRES/TTES #18) 7. Hong Yun (TRES/TTES #21) 8. Jin Xuan ( 金萱 ) (TRES/TTES #12) 9. Shy-Jih-Chuen 10. TRES/TTES #7 11. TRES/TTES #8 12. Ying Xiang (TRES/TTES #20) About the Tea Research and Etension Station (TRES) Taiwan Tea Epertise Thomas Shu and his wife, Josephine Pan, shown in the photo at right, conduct tours to Taiwan to eplore, learn, and get hands on with Taiwanese teas. They are called TOST (Taiwan Oolong Study Tours) and have been held for several years now, with many happy participants walking away with a better knowledge of Taiwan and its teas. Their blog Former name: Taiwan Tea Eperiment Station (TTES) The research and development center of Taiwan tea. Facilities for scientists and tea masters to conduct study, research, and eperiments to improve tea plantations, develop new and better cultivars, and manufacture and educate the industry and consumers in Taiwan. On a 20 hectare site in Yangmei District. The region has slightly acidic soil not well suited for other agriculture and therefore has seen tea become a major crop. Affiliated to the governmental Council of Agriculture established as Tea Manufacture Eperiment Station reorganized as Taiwan Tea Eperiment Station reorganized again as Taiwan Tea Eperiment Station renamed the Tea Research and Etension Station.

6 2029 ( 29 son ) See Cuy Yu ( 翠玉 ) (TRES/TTES #13). Ali Shan ( 阿里山 ) See Jin Xuan. Assamica #8 Taiwanese Black Tea India Camellia sinensis var. assamica Bai He ( 白鶴 ) (TRES/TTES #16) Year Registered 1983 Green tea Paochong (Pouchong) tea TTES #1958 TTES #335 (Tainon-355) (Dah-Yeh-Oolong Kyang) Camellia sinensis var. assamica var. assamica hybrid Introduced to Taiwan by Japanese in 1920s for black tea production. When they left Taiwan, black tea production fell off in favor of oolongs. Sun Moon Lake region is a minor black tea production area. Teas made from Assam variety often aged, similar to pu-erhs. Bai Lu ( 白鷺 ) (TRES/TTES #17) Year Registered 1983 Other name(s) Tea Style Used for in Taiwan Chin Shin Qing Xin Qing Xin Da Pha Ruan Zhi (Egret) Soft Stem Dong Ding Oriental Beauty Bao Zhong (Pouchong) Ruan Zhi TTES #1958 TTES #335 (Dah-Yeh-Oolong Kyang) Camellia sinensis var. assamica var. assamica hybrid Alishan at 1200m Zhushan at 600m Baguashan Wenshan Shanlini Developed by the Taiwan Tea Eperiment Station (TTES). Other common titles are Ruan Zhi (Egret) and TTES #17. Similar to Qing Xin ( 青心 ), literally "green heart", often mistaken for it. Usually only lightly oidized and labeled as Pouchong (Light Oolong). Variations include Chin-Shin Da Pan, Si-Ji-Chun, Chin-Shin Oolong, Chin-Shin Gan Zai, TTES No.7, TTES No.8, and TTES No.18. Picked from tea gardens in Dong Ding Mountain at 700-1,200 meters (about 2,200-3,700 feet) elevation, traditionally made from one bud and 2-3 leaves combos, oidation level of 25-35%. Produces ecellent quality Bao Zhong (Pouchong) but relatively weaker growth and disease-resistance. in China in Thailand in Vietnam Wuyishan & Ani County ( 安溪县 ) in Fujian Province ( 福建省 ) Chiang Dao (800m) Doi Tung (1000m) Doi Angkhang bis (1400m) Doi Mae Salon Doi Inthanon (1200m) Doi Wawee (1400m) Provinz Chiang Rai (1400m) Bao Loc Mountain (Source)

Bair Mau Hour Oolong tea north Taiwan Landraces Bai Wen ( 白文 ) (TRES/TTES #14) Year Registered 1983 Oolong tea Paochong (Pouchong) tea Bai Mao Hour (Taiwan) TTES #983 (Hwang-Gan Kyang) Camellia

assamica hybrid Songboling, Nantou county in Central Taiwan Bannockburn 157 Other name(s) Type & Breeding Method Named after the Bannockburn Darjeeling tea garden in West Bengal, India, where it was

7 Bair Mau Hour Oolong tea north Taiwan Landraces Bai Wen ( 白文 ) (TRES/TTES #14) Year Registered 1983 Oolong tea Paochong (Pouchong) tea Bai Mao Hour (Taiwan) TTES #983 (Hwang-Gan Kyang) Camellia sinensis var. assamica var. assamica hybrid Songboling, Nantou county in Central Taiwan Bannockburn 157 Other name(s) Type & Breeding Method Named after the Bannockburn Darjeeling tea garden in West Bengal, India, where it was developed in association with the Tea Research Association. Temperature resistant, pest resistant, rich aroma, easy on the tummy. (photo source) B157 Oolong Taiwan Clonal Leaves have somewhat bitter taste for insects, so they tend to avoid them. If any insects do happen on the plant and lay eggs on leaves, those eggs generally fall off during processing. Bai Yian ( 白燕 ) (TRES/TTES #15) Year Registered 1983 Oolong White tea Green tea Bai Mau Hou TTES #983 (Hwang-Gan Kyang) Camellia sinensis var. assamica var. assamica hybrid Bao Zhong See Bai Lu ( 白鷺 ) (TRES/TTES #17). Bi Yu ( 碧玉 ) (TRES/TTES #19) Year Registered 2004 Other name(s) Green Jade Oolong tea Paochong (Pouchong) tea TTES-12 (Taiwan) Chin-Shin-Oolong (Taiwan) Light green shoot tip, middle dense leaf hair, oval to oblong shape mature leaf, strong vigor, less drought resistance, mid to high yield, spring harvest date. Liquid is bright and honey green with elegant flavor and sweet taste. Suited for middle to high altitude tea plantations. One of the 12 prevailing cultivars in Taiwan.

8 Black Jade See Hong Yu (TRES/TTES #18). Buddhas Hand See Fo Shou ( 佛手 ). Burma Chin hsin Myanmar Camellia sinensis var. assamica Alishan Baozhong Da Yu Ling Dong Ding Lishan Shan Li Xi Paochong (Pouchong) tea A category of culitivars (Chin-hsin, Luanze, etc.) usually simplified into one grouping. Cultivated by the Japanese in Taiwan for high quality and slower growth-rate that develops more compleity within leaves. Used in top quality teas (high-mountain Alishan, Lishan, Da Yu Ling, etc., plus Dong-Ding and Baozhong). Chin hsin Da Pa Oriental Beauty Oolong Taiwan Not as popular as Chin-hsin; mostly used to make Oriental Beauty. Leaves more oval. Sweeter, rich honey-like flavor in infused liquid. Thought to originate from China; introduced to Taiwan around same time as Chin-hsin. Chinhsuan See Jin Xuan ( 金萱 ) (TRES/TTES #12). Chin Shin See Bai Lu ( 白鷺 ) (TRES/TTES #17). Chin Shin Dahpan Other name(s) Chin Shin Dar Pan Green tea Oolong tea Paochong (Pouchong) tea northwest Taiwan Landraces northwest Taiwan One of the 12 prevailing cultivars in Taiwan. Chin Shin Dar Pan See Chin-Shin-Dahpan. (Source) Chin Shin Gantzy Green tea New Taipei City in Taiwan Species/ Variety Landraces New Taipei City, Taiwan One of the 12 prevailing cultivars in Taiwan.

Chin Shin Oolong Cui Yu Species/ Variety Type & Breeding Method Oolong tea Paochong (Pouchong) tea Planting around Taiwan Landraces Taiwan cultivar See Cuy Yu ( 翠玉 ) (TRES/TTES #13).

9 Chin Shin Oolong Cui Yu Species/ Variety Type & Breeding Method Oolong tea Paochong (Pouchong) tea Planting around Taiwan Landraces Taiwan cultivar See Cuy Yu ( 翠玉 ) (TRES/TTES #13). One of the 12 prevailing cultivars in Taiwan. Cuy Yu ( 翠玉 ) (TRES/TTES #13) Year Registered Cui Yu Paochong (Pouchong) tea Other name(s) Hard Stem Red Heart Ying-Jy-Horng-Shin Ying Zhi Hong Xin ( 硬枝红心 ) Usually called by cultivar name. A bit more difficult to find than Four Seasons or Jin Xuan outside of Taiwan; etremely popular in Taiwan and Asia, third most consumed fragrant oolong. Much better yields than Chin-hsin. More floral, less creamy than Jin Xuan. Very unique and intense floral/orchid aroma. Baozhong Cui Yu aka Jade Oolong Paochong (Pouchong) tea Black tea Oriental Beauty Oolong teas Ying Zhi Hong Xin (Ying-Jy-Horng-Shin) TTES #80 (Tainon-80) Planting in New Taipei City, Taiwan Taiwan at lower elevations Prof. Wu, named this cultivar Jade, in memory of his grandmother, but officially named TaiCha #13 in The tag in the research field said 2029, so many farmers still call it 29 son. Growth rate is slightly weaker than Jin Xuan, but about 20% higher than Chin-shin. Looser growth form, not easy for machine-harvesting. Has a loose form so that machine harvesting is difficult. One of the 12 prevailing cultivars in Taiwan. (Source)

Leaves full of nutrients, essential oils, enzymes. Quantity limited due to geographical condition, price per 500 grams $200-500 US dollars.

10 Da To Hwei son See Si Ji Chun. Da Yu Ling ( 大禹嶺 ) Other name(s) King of Taiwan High Mountain Tea Da Yu Ling region of Taiwan at above 2,500 meters elev. De Hua She Nantou in Taiwan Camellia formosensis wild tea Tough weather conditions, tea plants grow long and only picked occasionally. Leaves full of nutrients, essential oils, enzymes. Quantity limited due to geographical condition, price per 500 grams $ US dollars. Camellia formosensis (cultivar not specified) Dong Fang Meiren See Oriental Beauty. FKK 1 Kyang (India) Kimen (China) Camellia sinensis var. assamica var. assamica hybrid Dah Yeh Oolong Green tea Oolong tea Landraces north and east Taiwan Day Lily See Jin Xuan ( 金萱 ) (TRES/TTES #12).

Fo Shou ( 佛手 ) Other name(s) Buddhas Hand Half Day Perish Xiang Yuan ( 香橼 ) Oolong tea (Fo Shou) Yong Chun and Mount Wuyi in Fujian Province ( 福建省 ), China & Taiwan Nation Sold under its cultivar

Formosa Oolong, including Oriental Beauty A large-leaved cultivar named after the island of Formosa (now Taiwan); fragrant and floral with a persistent finish; a combination of growing environment

11 Fo Shou ( 佛手 ) Other name(s) Buddhas Hand Half Day Perish Xiang Yuan ( 香橼 ) Oolong tea (Fo Shou) Yong Chun and Mount Wuyi in Fujian Province ( 福建省 ), China & Taiwan Nation Sold under its cultivar name. Very large leaves. Usually lightly roasted; strong fruity flavor and full body. Formosa Oolong, including Oriental Beauty A large-leaved cultivar named after the island of Formosa (now Taiwan); fragrant and floral with a persistent finish; a combination of growing environment and fine processing done by true tea craftsmen. Four season Spring See Si Ji Chun. Four Seasons See Si Ji Chun. Fragrance of Taiwan See Hong Yu ( 紅玉 ) (TRES/TTES #18). Fwu Jou Fong Huang Nantou in Taiwan Camellia formosensis Paochong (Pouchong) tea China wild tea Gaoshan Has five varieties (Meishan, Yushan, Wushe, Lishan, and Alishan priciest and most highly regarded), is similar to Qing-Xin used to make Dong-Ding (medium oidation, withering, and rolling); some of the oolongs made from this cultivar are aged and all have fairly comple flavors involving fruits, florals, and a sweetness akin to sugarcane. Gold Lily Camellia formosensis (cultivar not specified) See Jin Xuan ( 金萱 ) (TRES/TTES #12). Golden Tiger Lily See Jin Xuan ( 金萱 ) (TRES/TTES #12).

Green Heart Hehuacun Shan Cha Other Names Luanze Qing-Xin Hehuacun Shan, Taiwan Dong-Ding oolong Dong Ding Mountain, Taiwan HeHuan Shan Used to make Dong-Ding oolong (the authentic version is made

12 Green Heart Hehuacun Shan Cha Other Names Luanze Qing-Xin Hehuacun Shan, Taiwan Dong-Ding oolong Dong Ding Mountain, Taiwan HeHuan Shan Used to make Dong-Ding oolong (the authentic version is made only from tea leaves grown on Dong Ding Mountain, meters elevation), traditionally only the tea shoots (the bud and 2-3 leaves) are used and oidized to 25-35%; also used to make Bao Zhongs that are lightly oidized and range in flavor from light and sweet like Japanese sencha to floral to fruity. Other Names Type & Breeding Method Joy Mountain Oolong HeHuan Shan, Taiwan Wild Green Jade Much appreciated in Taiwan. HeHuan Shan tea gardens are one of top four highest mountain areas on the island, with Da Yu Ling, Li Shan and FuShou Shan. See Bi Yu ( 碧玉 ) (TRES/TTES #19) and Cuy Yu ( 翠玉 ) (TRES/TTES #13). Half Day Perish See Fo Shou ( 佛手 ). Hann Koou China Hard Stem Red Heart See Cuy Yu ( 翠玉 ) (TRES/TTES #13) and Ying Zhi Hong Xin ( 硬枝红心 ). Heritage Aijiao Believed to be the mother cultivar of the Formosa oolongs. With the aroma of traditional Tieguanyins, the roastiness of Wuyis and the viscosity and florals of Formosas.

Hong Yu ( 紅玉 ) (TRES/TTES #18) Year Registered 1999 Other name(s) Ruby #18 Red Jade Fragrance of Taiwan Taiwanese wild tea tree (B-607) from Taiwan Burmese assamica (B-729) from

Natural sweetness from leafhopper, throughout growing season lays eggs and bites leaves, produces monoterpene diol and hotrienol to attract spiders.

Hong Yun ( 紅韻 ) (TRES/TTES #21) Year Registered 2008 Keemun Nepalese assamica from Kyang (FKK-1 line) Article announcing it Camellia sinensis var.

13 Hong Yu ( 紅玉 ) (TRES/TTES #18) Year Registered 1999 Other name(s) Ruby #18 Red Jade Fragrance of Taiwan Taiwanese wild tea tree (B-607) from Taiwan Burmese assamica (B-729) from Myanmar Camellia sinensis var. assamica Honey, cinnamon, and mint notes. Natural sweetness from leafhopper, throughout growing season lays eggs and bites leaves, produces monoterpene diol and hotrienol to attract spiders. One of the 12 prevailing cultivars in Taiwan. Hong Yun ( 紅韻 ) (TRES/TTES #21) Year Registered 2008 Keemun Nepalese assamica from Kyang (FKK-1 line) Article announcing it Camellia sinensis var. assamica One of the 12 prevailing cultivars in Taiwan. Hsin Chu Oriental Beauty Tea ( Dong Fang Mei Ren ) Honey Oolong ( Mi Xiang Oolong ) Mountain Black Tea ("Shan Hong Cha") Hsinchu County, Taiwan at 1,200 meters elev. Leafhoppers bite the tea leaves and cause some oidation of the leaves while they are still on the plant. This imparts a matchless fruit-honey taste and aroma to the tea. Horng Shin Dahpan Green tea northwest Taiwan Landraces Huang Gan See Hwang-Gan.

14 Hwang Gan Jaipuri Other name(s) Huang Gan India Planting in northwest of Taiwan Camellia sinensis var. assamica Landraces Jin Xuan ( 金萱 ) (TRES/TTES #12) Year Registered 1981 Other name(s) Gold Lily JX020 Chinhsuan Golden Tiger Lily Day Lily Taiwan #12 Alishan ( 阿里山 ) Baozhong Jin Xuan Oriental Beauty Paochong (Pouchong) tea Black tea Ying Zhi Hong Xin (Taiwan) TTES #8 (Hwang-Gan Chin Shin Oolong) Fujian Province ( 福建省 ), China & Taiwan Nation Generally called Ali Shan Oolong and sold as Jin Xuan. More shows up on the market than could possibly be grown on the Ali Shan mountains. Lightly oidized oolong tea, much of it picked in winter and called Winter tea. The most common cultivar used from among those grown on Ali Mountain. Tea merchants stress the special qualities of the cultivar, developed in Taiwan in the 1980s. The tea made with this cultivar has a milky creamy taste and fragrant smell, making it a popular gateway tea for newcomers to Taiwanese oolong. The leaves are often sold with additives that enhance the milkiness. Farmers growing this plant below 1600 meters elevation often sell it as Alishan tea. Tea plant has better disease resistance and a 20-40% faster growth rate than Chin-hsin, a more premium tea plant with a higher price per ounce. One of the 12 prevailing cultivars in Taiwan. (photo source) Joy Mountain See HeHuan Shan. JX020 See Jin Xuan ( 金萱 ) (TRES/TTES #12). Kimen China

15 King of Taiwan High Mountain See Da Yu Ling ( 大禹嶺 ). Kyang India Camellia sinensis var. assamica Le Ye Chiayi in Taiwan Camellia formosensis wild tea Manipuri Mei Yuan Manipur, India Camellia sinensis var. assamica Nantou in Taiwan Camellia formosensis wild tea Camellia formosensis (cultivar not specified) Camellia formosensis (cultivar not specified) Long Tou Oolong tea Kaohsiung in Taiwan Camellia formosensis wild tea Ming Hai Oolong tea Kaohsiung in Taiwan Camellia formosensis wild tea Camellia formosensis (cultivar not specified) Camellia formosensis (cultivar not specified)

Nan Fong Phoobsering 312 Oolong tea Other name(s) P312 Kaohsiung in Taiwan Oolong Camellia formosensis Type & Breeding Method Clonal wild tea Named after Phoobsering Darjeeling tea garden in West

16 Nan Fong Phoobsering 312 Oolong tea Other name(s) P312 Kaohsiung in Taiwan Oolong Camellia formosensis Type & Breeding Method Clonal wild tea Named after Phoobsering Darjeeling tea garden in West Bengal, India. Was developed in association with Tea Research Association. Temperature resistant, pest resistant, rich aroma, easy on the tummy. (photo source) Camellia formosensis (cultivar not specified) Oriental Beauty ( 東方美人茶 ) Other Name(s) Type & Breeding Method Dong Fang Meiren White Tip Oolong Wild Very fruity in taste. Along with Lishan Oolong, it was one of the most costly eported Taiwanese teas during the 2000s. Its unique flavor originates in part from the inclusion of insect eggs and egg sacs during harvesting, contributing an element that has been described as "earthier and more robust" than Earl Grey tea. Qi Dan See Da Hong Pao ( 大红袍 ). Qing Xin ( 青心 ) See Bai Lu ( 白鷺 ) (TRES/TTES #17). Qing Xin Da Mao Taiwan Oolong Oriental Red See Dong Fang Hong ( 东方红 ). Qing Xin Da Pha See Bai Lu ( 白鷺 ) (TRES/TTES #17). Paochong (Pouchong) tea See Cuy Yu ( 翠玉 ) (TRES/TTES #13). Red Jade See Hong Yu ( 紅玉 ) (TRES/TTES #18). Ruan Zhi (Egret) See Bai Lu ( 白鷺 ) (TRES/TTES #17). Ruby #18 See Hong Yu ( 紅玉 ) (TRES/TTES #18).

Sacred Lily Shan Lin Xi See Shui Xian ( 水仙 ). Shan Thailand A varietal of high mountain Taiwan oolong. Oolong tea Taiwan at 1,200-1,400 meters elevation Camellia sinensis var.

17 Sacred Lily Shan Lin Xi See Shui Xian ( 水仙 ). Shan Thailand A varietal of high mountain Taiwan oolong. Oolong tea Taiwan at 1,200-1,400 meters elevation Camellia sinensis var. assamica Shan 1 Shan 2 Shan 3 Shan 4 Thailand Camellia sinensis var. assamica Thailand Camellia sinensis var. assamica Thailand Camellia sinensis var. assamica Thailand Camellia sinensis var. assamica Shiang Yuan Shoei Shian Shui Hsien See Shui Xian ( 水仙 ). Shy Jih Chuen Oolong tea Paochong (Pouchong) tea China Oolong tea Paochong (Pouchong) tea China Oolong tea Paochong (Pouchong) tea Nantou in Taiwan Landraces One of the 12 prevailing cultivars in Taiwan.

Si Ji Chun Other name(s) Four Season Da-To-Hwei son Si-Ji Chuan Four-season Spring Alishan Baozhong Si-ji (Four Seasons) Chin-hsin Wuyi Taiwan at lower-elevation Tiee Guan In Oolong tea Paochong

18 Si Ji Chun Other name(s) Four Season Da-To-Hwei son Si-Ji Chuan Four-season Spring Alishan Baozhong Si-ji (Four Seasons) Chin-hsin Wuyi Taiwan at lower-elevation Tiee Guan In Oolong tea Paochong (Pouchong) tea China Etremely fast growth rate, can be harvested up to si times a year. Much lower-prices than higher-elevation oolongs. A naturally hybrid cultivar with a strong growth rate year round; the tea has an intense floral/fruity aroma that isn t as wide feeling or as equisite as Chinshin. TRES/TTES #1 Year Registered 1969 Green tea Oolong tea Chin-Shin-Dahpan (Taiwan) Kyang (India) Camellia sinensis var. assamica var. assamica hybrid Si Ji Chuan See Si Ji Chun. (Source) TRES/TTES #2 Year Registered 1969 Green tea Oolong tea Dah-Yeh-Oolong (Taiwan) Jaipuri (India) Camellia sinensis var. assamica var. assamica hybrid Soft Stem See Bai Lu ( 白鷺 ) (TRES/TTES #17). Taiwan #12 See Jin Xuan ( 金萱 ) (TRES/TTES #12). Taiwan #13 TRES/TTES #3 Year Registered 1969 Green tea Manipuri assamica from India Hong Xin Da Mao (Horng-Shin- Dahpan) from Taiwan Camellia sinensis var. assamica var. assamica hybrid See Cuy Yu ( 翠玉 ) (TRES/TTES #13).

19 TRES/TTES #4 Year Registered 1969 TRES/TTES #5 Green tea Horng-Shin-Dahpan (Taiwan) Manipuri (India) Camellia sinensis var. assamica var. assamica hybrid Year Registered 1973 TRES/TTES #6 Green tea Oolong tea Paochong (Pouchong) tea Fwu-Jou line (China) Year Registered 1973 TRES/TTES #7 Green tea Oolong tea Chin-Shin-Oolong line (Taiwan) Year Registered 1973 Shan line (Thailand) Camellia sinensis var. assamica One of the 12 prevailing cultivars in Taiwan. TRES/TTES #8 Year Registered 1973 Jaipuri line (India) Camellia sinensis var. assamica Taiwan One of the 12 prevailing cultivars in Taiwan. TRES/TTES #9 Year Registered 1975 TRES/TTES #10 Green tea Horng-Shin-Dahpan (Taiwan) Kyang (India) Camellia sinensis var. assamica var. assamica hybrid Year Registered 1975 TRES/TTES #11 Green tea Hwang-Gan (Taiwan) Jaipuri (India) Camellia sinensis var. assamica var. assamica hybrid Year Registered 1975 Green tea Dah-Yeh-Oolong (Taiwan) Jaipuri (India) Camellia sinensis var. assamica var. assamica hybrid

20 TRES/TTES #12 See Jin Xuan. TRES/TTES #13 TRES/TTES #22 Year Registered 2014 Qing Xin Jin Xuan Article from the announcement See Cuy Yu ( 翠玉 ) (TRES/TTES #13). TRES/TTES #14 See Bai Wen. TRES/TTES #15 See Bai Yian. TRES/TTES #16 TTES #335 or TTES #983 TTES #1958 See Bai He. Oolong tea Dah-Yeh-Oolong Kyang Hwang-Gan Kyang See Bai He. TRES/TTES #17 See Bai Lu ( 白鷺 ) (TRES/TTES #17). TRES/TTES #18 See Hong Yu. TRES/TTES #19 See Bi Yu (TRES/TTES #19). TRES/TTES #20 See Ying Xiang (TRES/TTES #20). TRES/TTES #21 See Hong Yun (TRES/TTES #21). Tzuiyu See Cuy Yu ( 翠玉 ) (TRES/TTES #13). Water Sprite See Shui Xian ( 水仙 ). White Crest of Rooster See Bai Ji Guan ( 白鸡冠 ). White Hair Monkey Oriental Beauty Oolong Not to be confused with Bai Mao Hou, a green tea also called White Hair Monkey, from Fujian province, China. Along with Chin-hsin Da Pa, this cultivar is commonly used for Oriental Beauty. Wu Shan Ban Qing Ming See Ban Qing Ming.

21 Wuu Yi Species/ Variety Xiang Yuan ( 香橼 ) See Fo Shou ( 佛手 ). Oolong tea Paochong (Pouchong) tea China Ying Zhi Hong Xin ( 硬枝红心 ) See Cuy Yu ( 翠玉 ) (TRES/TTES #13). Yung Kang Species/ Variety Green tea Camellia formosensis var. yungkangensis wild tea Taitung in Taiwan Ying Jy Horng Shin See Cuy Yu ( 翠玉 ) (TRES/TTES #13). Ying Xiang ( 迎香 ) (TRES/TTES #20) Year Registered 2004 Oolong tea Paochong (Pouchong) tea 2022 (Dah-Yeh-Oolong Tainon-20) (Taiwan) Chin-Shin-Oolong (Taiwan) Camellia sinensis var. assamica var. assamica hybrid Purplish green shoot tip when bud has just burst then turning bright green, leaf hair is denser then TTES #19, almost oblong shaped mature leaf, bud burst very uniform, strong vigor, less drought resistance, high yield but the lignification of fresh leaf is very fast, so it had a short harvest period. Liquid is bright honey green with good aroma and strong taste. Suited for mid to low altitude tea plantations, avoid humidity and poorly ventilated areas, and beware of blister blight and brown blight. One of the 12 prevailing cultivars in Taiwan.

22 Some of the Teas We ve Tried Over the years we have been honored to try samples of various Taiwanese teas from a host of tea vendors, some of which are no longer in business. We hope you will have the opportunity to try some, too! Aged Tea 1990 Tea Four Seasons Tea Alishan Oolong Tea Tsuei Luan Tea

23 Black Ruby Teas Da Yu Ling Teas Wen Shan Bao Zhong Teas

24 Dong Ding Teas

25 Formosa Oolong Teas (From one of those generalist vendors and of very low quality the leaves were crushed to almost dust.) (A slightly better version.) (From another generalist vendor but of better quality. Dealing with them, though, is difficult.) Formosa Green Tea Jade Oolong Tea

26 Jin Xuan Milk Oolong Mi Xian Black Butiki Tea Li Shan Oolong Tea Muzha Tie Guan Yin Long Feng Xia Tea Shan Lin Shi Oolong Tea

27 Shan Ling Xi Tea Wu Ling Tea Shi Zuo Tea Zhong Shu Hu Tea

Final Thoughts Taiwan, like other nations for whom tea is a major crop, faces some tough challenges. High elevation tea gardens are threatened by environmental etremists.

28 Final Thoughts Taiwan, like other nations for whom tea is a major crop, faces some tough challenges. High elevation tea gardens are threatened by environmental etremists. Old tea plants need replacing (and we re talking about thousands of tea plants). The push is strong for labor-intensive fancy teas instead of basic teas that take less effort to produce. Tea gardens have to pay out hundreds or even thousands of dollars to get certified as Fair Trade, Organic, etc. (and these certifications need to be renewed annually it s a real racket for the agencies issuing the certifications but of no benefit to you, the consumer). Political unrest due to differences of opinion with China continues. Despite all this, the future for Taiwan teas is rosy. And the more you know, the more you will enjoy. We strongly recommend that you buy from a vendor who specializes in Taiwanese teas, as opposed to the generalist tea vendors who carry an array of mediocre teas with a good one thrown in here and there.

THE FRAGRANT LEAF TEA MENU

THE FRAGRANT LEAF TEA MENU TABLE TEA SERVICE CLASSIC BREWING* INDIVIDUAL TEA PRESS $6 A modern way to enjoy loose-leaf tea. Choose from over 40 varieties of tea. SPECIALTY BREWING* CHINESE TEA BOWL $8