Perhaps the diamond in the crown of Taiwanese oolongs belongs to Lishan tea.
Lishan Mountain (Pear Mountain, 2,800 meters above sea level) is the highest mountain in Taiwan and one of the highest tea-growing places in the world. For many years, peach orchards, apple and pear trees grew on it. Over time, tea plantations took the place of fruit plantations.
Rapidly, Lishan has become one of the best and most expensive Taiwanese oolongs. In fact, even the president of Taiwan “noted” this tea, as he gives it to the heads of other countries at international meetings.
The region has a stunning landscape of terrain. The tea gardens are located at high altitudes, about 2000 meters. At this altitude, tall grass is allowed to grow between the seedlings to protect the bushes from winter frosts. And uniquely, each plantation’s tea has its own characteristics. The highest-grade Lishan is made on the peak of Happiness and Longevity (Fushoushan). This area is also famous for its ecologically pure and incredibly tasty fruits and vegetables.
Tea has been grown in the region for less than 30 years. Originally, tea in Lishan was only grown in Foshoushan, and only in the last 20 years has it started to spread to other areas. And it happened around the end of the 90s, when there was a very strong earthquake in Nantou, and many fruit plantations were damaged, the relief and even the climate changed a lot. And the terroir became more suitable for tea, so there are more and more tea terraces here.
The Lishan tea harvesting period falls in May, October.
Blue-green heart oolong leaves are taken as raw material. The tea leaf is roasted at 80℃ for 40-50 minutes. After that, 3% moisture remains in it, which allows the unique flavor to be preserved for a long time.
Small balls of bright green color when brewed give a clear emerald green infusion with a light and subtle flavor. At first contact with boiling water, the leaves begin to exude delicious creamy caramel flavors. Then comes the intoxicating floral bouquet: aromas of peony, white lily, hyacinth. All this is complemented by sweet notes. The tea is incredibly long-lasting, filled with brightly expressed aromas of flowers, has a pleasant buttery texture. The aftertaste is persistent, floral and sweet. A noble, graceful, elegant, highly refined tea.
Would you like such a diamond in your collection?
