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

Taiwanese Tea No. 18 is perhaps the most well known Taiwanese tea, however there are currently 23 certified Taiwanese teas in total at present. To be “Taiwanese tea” certified, each tea tree needs to go through numerous tests and comparative experiments, a lengthy process which often takes 20 years for a tea to officially hit the market.

Taiwanese Yingxiang Oolong was officially named Taiwanese Tea No. 20 in 2004. Yingxiang was developed by Tea Research and Extension Station, COA, as a new variety of Taiwanese oolong tea, offering a fresh and innovative taste, subverting the tastes of the past oolong. If you don’t like Jin Xuan‘s special milk flavour, consider drinking Yingxiang Oolong instead, it will give you an entirely new perspective of Oolong tea.

Where is the Origin of Yingxiang Oolong?

This variety of Yingxiang Oolong has excellent planting performance, strong disease and drought resistance, and it can even grow well in low-altitude areas, and areas with strong sunshine. Although most of the planting areas are at low altitudes, the aroma of the tea is not inferior to that of high mountain tea, so Yingxiang Oolong is also known as “alpine tea grown on flat land”.

Although it is easier to plant at low altitudes, if too much chemical fertiliser is used during the plantation process, the taste of the tea leaves will let off an aroma similar to the Four Seasons Green Tea. Currently planted in Nantou Mingjian Pine and Cypress Tea Area, Shanlinxi, Pinglin Jingaliao, and Taitung Luye, along with other locations within Taiwan.

Origin of Yingxiang Oolong

• Parent tea source

The female Yingxiang Oolong is believed to be hybridized with the male Qingxin Oolong, the latter being the main source of the aroma. However, over fertilisation during the process can weaken the aroma. In the post-processing, the experience of tea roasting masters is relied upon to control the roasting degree of Yingxiang Oolong.

• Brothers and Sisters of the Yingxiang Series

Yingxiang is the name of the tea tree species and different roasting methods are used to produce black tea, oolong tea (including red), and green tea, among others. But at present, Yingxiang accounts for the largest quantity of oolong tea in Taiwan due to its accessibility.

• Taiwanese tea N.20

Taiwanese Tea No. 20 was officially released in 2007 by the Tea Improvement Field of the Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan. In fact, the cultivation of Yingxiang Oolong has been ongoing for 30 years, but large-scale production has only come into play in recent years.

Using scientific methods, excellent tea tree species are selected for hybridisation, after a painstaking four stages of selection, a proposal is made for review, and if nominated and approved, an official name will be certified.

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Features of Yingxiang Oolong Tea Tree

The Qingxin oolong tea varieties planted at large scale in Taiwan have two shortcomings: lack of drought resistance and poor resistance to insect pests, so “Yingxiang” and “Jasper” are varieties that have been bred to overcome these shortcomings. The horizontally shaped Yingxiang tea tree hosts bright green buds and newly sprouted leaves with a purple tinge, accompanied by long and narrow adult leaves.

The characteristics of oolong tea derive from the fermentation degree of about 30%, the spherical tea leaves are firm and full, and after brewing, the leaves are green and complete.

Yingxiang Oolong tea brew taste and colour

1. The tea leaves are dry and green prior to brewing.
2. The front stage has a fresh orchid fragrance, while the end stage has a floral aroma with a sweet aftertaste.
3. The tea brew is transparent bright honey-yellow in colour, and has a sweet aftertaste.

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Price of Taiwanese No. 20 Yingxiang

Such a beautiful tea is reflected in the price of the tea. Moreover, in the early days, because of the minimal planting area, the price of Yingxiang tea trees was very high. However, in the past two years, Yingxiang has been expanding to more areas and subsequently, prices have fallen to a more attainable level. As a gift tea, it is a very face-saving tea (Buy Online: ABoxTik – Yingxiang Oolong Tea).

In addition to the shortcomings of small planting areas, the post-processing of Yingxiang Oolong is not easy to begin with. At present, the post-processing is mainly done by experienced masters, and the characteristics of Yingxiang Oolong can be brought into full play with traditional craftsmanship and experience.

Yingxiang Oolong is a quality-assured tea, so regardless of whether it is purchased as a gift or for personal use, you can always feel confident with products in this league. We can only have such a first-line understanding after visiting the tea plantation in person.

The secrets of brewing Yingxiang Oolong Taiwanese Tea No. 20

If you want to use hot water to brew Yingxiang Oolong, the water temperature should be about 90 degrees. Take about 3-5 grams of tea leaves, and initially soak for around 45 seconds, this will enable you to brew for an additional five times. For cold brewing, add the same quantity at room temperature for about 4 hours, and then let it rest in the refrigerator for an additional 8 hours.

Note that the tea should not be over-steeped, and the concentration can be adjusted according to personal preference. The tea set can be made of thicker, more robust stone pots, such as tortoise shell stone pots, ink jade stone pots, watermelon stone pots, bluestone heart stone pots, etc.

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

There are many places that retail Yingxiang Oolong, but it is important to confirm the origin of the tea, which is the greatest recognition of the tea farmers to the tea makers. The convenience of the Internet allows us to buy first-hand fresh from our origin. ABoxTik’s excellent and exquisite tea gift series, 100% use Taiwan tea, from the origin to the baking technique, are all carefully inspected, in hopes to deliver the meticulous uniqueness of Taiwanese tea to everyone. If you want to give delicious tea to your relatives and friends, an ABoxTik gift box is highly recommended.