What is the difference between Dong Ding Oolong and Tieguanyin? Both Dong Ding Oolong tea and Tieguanyin belong to Oolong tea. The following explains the differences between Dong Ding Oolong and Tieguanyin in Oolong tea:

Similarities:

1. Both belong to the Oolong tea category and are semi-fermented.

2. Similar appearance, hemispherical or spiral shaped.

3. Appearance after brewing: green stems, green belly, red edges.

Differences:

1. Different tea plant varieties.

2. Different fermentation degrees: Tieguanyin 8%-18%, Dong Ding Oolong 20%-70%.

3. Different classifications: Tieguanyin belongs to "Southern Fujian Oolong," Dong Ding Oolong belongs to "Northern Fujian Oolong."

4. Different processing: The Tieguanyin production process does not include a "re-softening" step.

Distinguishing Techniques: Although their appearances are similar, there are some techniques for distinguishing them. The best way is to taste the tea.

1. Observe the color: Due to its lower fermentation degree and low-temperature storage, Tieguanyin has a sandy green color; Dong Ding Oolong generally has a higher fermentation degree and is roasted, so its color is slightly yellowish-brown.

2. Look at the appearance: Dong Ding Oolong is mostly hemispherical with larger granules and often contains tea stems; Tieguanyin is generally spiral-shaped with smaller granules than Dong Ding Oolong and fewer stems.

3. Smell the aroma: Before brewing, Dong Ding Oolong tea's aroma is more intense than Tieguanyin's.

4. Brew and smell the aroma: When brewed in equal amounts, Tieguanyin's aroma is very strong, while Dong Ding Oolong's is lighter, with a osmanthus or fruity fragrance.

5. Brew and observe the color: When brewed in equal amounts, because Dong Ding Oolong has a higher fermentation degree, its liquor color is generally darker.

6. Observe the stems: When brewed in equal amounts, generally Tieguanyin has fewer stems than Dong Ding Oolong. Dong Ding Oolong is often hand-picked, so stems are inevitable.

7. Taste the tea liquor: When brewed in equal amounts, Dong Ding Oolong has a stronger osmanthus or ripe fruit fragrance and a more obvious sweet aftertaste.

8. Brewing endurance: When brewed in equal amounts, generally Dong Ding Oolong, with its higher fermentation degree, can withstand more infusions (at least six times), while Tieguanyin is slightly less enduring.

9. Observe the spent leaves: After multiple infusions, Dong Ding Oolong's buds and leaves remain intact and still have strength when pulled by hand; Tieguanyin's leaves tend to break apart after multiple infusions, and are less resilient.