Where can I buy authentic alpine oolong tea in Taiwan? What kind of tea is used in Taiwan milk tea?

Walking on a street in Taiwan, you will soon notice the teahouse. You will see teenagers drinking pearl milk tea-milk tea poured on sparkling cassava "pearls". There will be teahouses and fragrant tea leaves: black, green, white. Then there will be the tea that connoisseurs are asking: Alpine oolong tea.

Like Panamanian rosy summer coffee, alpine oolong tea is the most precious tea in Taiwan.

But what is it? Why is it so popular? Read on.

What is oolong tea?

When you drink specialty coffee, your first problem may be the country of origin. Is it Brazilian chocolate, fruity Ethiopian, or balanced Guatemala? But when it's tea, you want to know how it's processed-because that's the difference between black / red, green, yellow, white and oolong tea.

Do you know six different kinds of tea?

The center of tea processing is oxidation, which is the process of exposing tea to oxygen. It starts when the leaf is picked, and there are different ways to add or stop it. Oxidation blackens and wilts the leaves. It can also increase aroma and taste.

White tea, yellow tea and green tea are all lightly processed. Black tea, as its name implies, is heavily processed. And oolong tea? The degree of oxidation of oolong tea varies greatly, but generally speaking, it is more oxidized than white / yellow / green tea and lower than black tea-which, in my opinion, makes it the blonde of the tea world.

Oolong tea is carefully monitored during oxidation. It is this process that creates its unique golden brown color and unique fragrance.

The High Mountains of Taiwan: a unique Land

Like single-origin coffee and fine wine, each tea garden is unique. The local soil creates a unique flavor, and the specific weather trends of each year will add its own characteristics to the harvest of this season.

Although alpine oolong tea can be found in other countries such as Thailand and Vietnam, it is most often associated with Taiwan. This is partly due to the mountains of Taiwan, which is an ideal environment for growing tea.

"Gaoshan" tea grows at an altitude of more than 1000 meters. Tea gardens in Taiwan are characterized by high humidity and natural precipitation. Tea leaves are usually covered with fog until they are picked carefully by hand.

This tea is famous for its complex taste, aroma and aftertaste. This, coupled with limited supply, may lead to high prices-but if you ask me, I think it's always worth it.

The Historical tradition of Modern Tea drinking

Drinking oolong tea is a long tradition in Taiwan, and it is even part of traditional Chinese medicine. The preparation and appreciation of the drink is almost as important as the tea itself.

The handmade teapot is made of unglazed clay and is the preferred container for brewing oolong tea. Teapots, cups, trays and other accessories are collected by Chinese tea art connoisseurs.

If you come to Taiwan to drink alpine oolong tea, you will see us pour hot water into a pot full of dried tea, and then pour it out immediately. It was discarded. We do this to remove any dust or other pollutants from the tea, so that tea drinkers can enjoy the remaining pure taste and aroma.

In Taiwan, the art of tea is not just about drinking this drink. You should savor it carefully and take your time. It is considered to be an art form that takes a lifetime to master.