There are many different varieties of tea trees. We often hear about Sijichun, Jinxuan, Yingxiang, and Jade, which we will introduce today. Different tea trees undergo different degrees of roasting to make black tea, green tea and oolong tea. Among them, oolong tea is one of the representative baked teas in Taiwan.

Green Jade Oolong is the No. 13 Taiwanese tea, an improved variety officially announced by the Taiwan Council of Agriculture. Jade tea tree varieties are most suitable for making Baozhong tea and lightly fermented oolong tea. The most distinctive feature of oolong tea made from the Jade tea tree species is the rich aroma of wild ginger and sweet-scented osmanthus. Because of its special aroma, it is a popular option for many tea drinkers who like the taste of green tea. Jade Oolong is highly recommended for beginners who have not been in touch with tea as the delicate and elegant taste is a tea aroma that everyone can accept.

What is Green Jade Oolong?

Why is it called Green Jade Oolong and where does the name originate?

In 1945, the Japanese left more than 500 tea tree saplings, and after more than 30 years of research, breeding, improvements and innovation, a brand new variety evolved. The Agriculture Committee came to the decision after many discussions, that a code name was incompatible with the artistic flavour of this tea tree. Finally, Mr. Wu Zhenduo, a senior employee of Tea Research and Extension Station, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, who is also the “Father of Taiwan Tea”, used his mother’s name “Jade” to name Taiwanese Tea No. 13. With such an elegant naming method, it is no wonder that Jade instantly became popular, and has been able to retain such a loyal customer base. The official system code of Taiwanese No. 13 is 2029, so Jade Oolong is also known as “Erjiuzai (29zai)”.

Jade Oolong, a gem among teas, its leaves unfurl like jade dragons dancing in the wind, as its golden liquor tantalizes my senses with its delicate aroma and rich, velvety flavors, I am transported to a world of elegance and luxury.

Tea Classroom – Green Jade Oolong

Where does Green Jade Oolong originate in Taiwan?

There are not many production areas of Jade because it is not planted on a large scale, and cannot be picked by machine easily, therefore, it is relatively sparse compared with other varieties. Most of the Jade tea trees are planted at medium and low altitudes, but there are also Jade tea tree varieties planted high in the mountains. At present, Nantou, Taiwan is the main harvest area, and distributed in Lugu, Zhushan, Mingjian, Chiayi Meishan, and Alishan.

The little secret of Green Jade Oolong

Jade Oolong parent tea source

The parents of Jade Oolong are the Firm Stem Red Tip variety and the Tainung No. 80. Taiwanese tea trees, mainly cultivated by artificial “asexual reproduction”. Especially if tea trees have passed the review of the Agricultural Committee, it will be promulgated as a Taiwanese tea number. For the stability of quality, the branches of the parent tea trees are used to propagate new saplings.

Siblings of the Jade Series

Jade is the name of the tea tree species, and most of the Jade tea trees cultivated in Taiwan are lightly fermented and lightly roasted. Jade tea leaves are long and narrow, full of moisture, and aromatic when brewed. If the Jade is made into green tea, it will have the aroma of sugar cane and chestnut when brewed; however, few people will use the Jade tea tree to make black tea.

Green Jade Oolong = Taiwanese Tea No. 13

The Jade tea tree has many aliases, Taiwanese No. 13 is a special variety named and certified by the Agricultural Committee of the Taiwan Executive Yuan, while among tea farmers, it is commonly known as Jade Oolong “29 zǐ”. The Green Jade Oolong selected by tea farmers is planted in a small hinterland, enabling a more attentive process and quality assurance.

Features of the Jade Oolong Tea Tree

The Jade Oolong is an improved oolong variety in Taiwan. The leaves grown from the tea tree are relatively upright and oval, with obvious jagged edges around the tea leaves, and the leaves on both sides are curled upwards. The low density tea buds are purple in colour, and the bright-green leaves are thick, slender, and full of moisture. Jade tea tree belongs to the middle-to-early-growing tea types, meaning that it will start to germinate within 7 to 10 days. Harvested jade is to be reddish-green in colour, and once lightly fermented and lightly roasted, Qingxiang Baozhong tea and oolong tea are mainly produced. Some people say that fresh jade tea leaves smell like betel nut flowers.

Green Jade Oolong tea brew taste and colour

The tea is dry and tightly knotted in a hemispherical shape, and the tea leaves are sandy green after brewing
The taste is flagrantly sweet initially, with an obvious ginger aftertaste and floral aroma
The tea brew is bright orange-yellow in colour, and has a sweet aftertaste
It has a strong unique aroma

Jade Oolong, a tea as precious as jade, its pale green leaves unfurling to reveal a floral bouquet and a smooth, velvety texture that glides down your throat with ease.

【Green Jade Oolong】Taiwanese Tea No. 13 - ABoxTik 一盒精品 5

Price of Taiwanese No. 13 Jade

Because of the tea tree density, Jade is not easily harvested by machines. The early planting area is not as large as it is for other teas, so it is more precious and the price is slightly higher. As a gift, Taiwanese No. 13 is a great option for people who are not used to drinking tea due to its neutral fragrance, and when considering the filial piety concept, it is also perfect for family members and elders!

The secrets of brewing Green Jade Oolong Taiwanese Tea No. 13

Although Jade Oolong is full of aroma, it is a tea variety that is adequate for 1-2 brews, not for repeated brewing, although suitable and popular among many as cold-brewed tea. This is due to its brewing resilience, even longer brewing durations will not affect the aroma of the tea. Hot bubble method: Pour hot water into the tea leaves, cover and soak for 10-12 minutes, then enjoy in a large teacup, or a glass cup. The taste is sweet and absent of bitterness.

【Green Jade Oolong】Taiwanese Tea No. 13 - ABoxTik 一盒精品 7

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Where to buy Jade Oolong? ABoxTik gives you the best quality tea series

Quality tea should always be purchased by an authorised dealer. ABoxTik will help you select from various high-quality teas from all over Taiwan. Whether it be black tea, green tea, oolong tea, or beyond, ABoxTik has you covered! Green Jade Oolong is a hot-selling tea on ABoxTik, named with a special meaning, one with a premium taste of simple, mellow, and unforgeability. If tea gift-giving is unfamiliar to you, welcome to the official website of ABoxTik!