Summer 2022 harvest of Eastern Beauty wulong from Emei mountains in Northern Taiwan. This tea is quite a phenomenon in Taiwan and has many names: Bai Hao Oolong, Oriental Beauty, or its formal name Dong Fang Mei Ren 东方美人. The tea is grown in wild conditions without irrigation - ye fang cha 野放茶 - employing sustainable farming methods without human intervention (uncertified organic tea).
 
Unlike many Taiwanese teas which are reproductions of Chinese teas, this is a Taiwanese invention from the mid-19th century, imbued with a good measure of national pride. It revolutionized the tea industry by utilizing the distinctive effect of jassid bugs on tea leaves, an innovative approach that led to a unique flavor profile.
 
This is an experimental version of the iconic tea by Master Yuping, one of the significant figures we've had the pleasure to meet in Taiwan and who now serves as our mentor. With over 30 years of experience growing and producing Dong Fang Mei Ren, she chose to use the cultivar Jin Xuan 金萱, also known as "Milk Oolong". Jin Xuan is known for its creamy, milky aroma that contrasts with Qing Xin Da Mao 青心大冇, typically used for producing Oriental Beauty, that is revered for its floral, subtly sweet character. In the summer weather conditions of 35 degrees and 68% humidity, Master Yu crafted a unusual tea with rich aroma of caramel and roasted chestnuts, hints of sesame and fried doughnuts.
 
The primary characteristic of this tea, and the reason it's largely harvested in the summer months, is the appearance of jassid bugs, green tea leafhoppers that nibble on young tea leaves. These tiny insects trigger a defensive response in the tea plants, leading to the production of polyphenols that result in the distinct "honey fragrance". This term is deeply woven into the local jargon, to the point that today in Taiwan, other teas cannot be described as having a "honey fragrance" unless their leaves were nibbled by those leafhoppers.
 
A tea intended for aging, it's been with us for nearly a year now, and it keeps evolving and surprising us despite its young age. Its grounding energy has made it our preferred tea for meditation, but it's also highly suitable alongside desserts. The tea was featured in the Taiwan Special of the Blind Tasting Club in the fall of 2022, and after a year of aging, we've decided to release a limited amount for sale.

Q&A Interview with master Yuping.