Tieguanyin is a type of Oolong tea. Tea processing is divided into six major categories: green, red, yellow, white, black, and blue. Oolong tea, also known as blue tea, is partially fermented, possessing both the fresh and rich aroma of green tea and the sweet mellow taste of black tea.
Tieguanyin helps delay aging and is a scavenger of free radicals in the human body. According to research, 1 mg of tea polyphenols is as effective in clearing excessive harmful free radicals from the human body as 9 micrograms of superoxide dismutase (SOD), far superior to other similar substances. Tea polyphenols block lipid peroxidation and eliminate active enzymes, which helps inhibit cardiovascular diseases. At the same time, tea polyphenols play an important role in human fat metabolism, and drinking Tieguanyin regularly can achieve a slimming effect from the inside out.
Because Tieguanyin contains high amounts of polyphenols, aldehydes, and alcohols, these substances have little effect on healthy individuals. However, for those with poor gastrointestinal function, especially those with chronic gastrointestinal inflammation, these substances can irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, making it easier for such individuals to induce stomach diseases, so they should not drink too much. In addition, Tieguanyin also contains high levels of caffeine, active alkaloids, and various aromatic substances, which can stimulate the central nervous system. Patients with neurasthenia or cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases should drink it in moderation, and it is not suitable to drink it before sleep or on an empty stomach.
Tieguanyin contains many components and is indeed a very ideal beverage. It can even serve as a dietary therapy and has certain effects on beauty. In order to maximize its effects, the brewing process is relatively complex.
Brewing according to its procedure can be divided into eight steps:
White Crane Bathes (Washing the cups): Rinse the tea set with boiling water;
Guanyin Enters the Palace (Placing the tea): Put Tieguanyin tea into the tea set, filling about five-tenths of its capacity;
Hanging the Pot and Pouring from a Height (Pouring the tea): Pour boiling water from a height into the teapot or gaiwan to make the tea leaves rotate;
Spring Breeze Brushes the Face (Skimming the foam): Gently skim off the white foam floating on top with the lid, making it fresh and clean;
General Patrols the City (Pouring the tea): After steeping for one to two minutes, pour the tea water into the arranged teacups in sequence;
Han Xin Counts the Soldiers (Dispensing the tea): When the tea water is almost gone, evenly drip the remaining drops into each teacup;
Appreciating the Color (Observing the tea): Observe the color of the tea water in the cup;
Tasting the Sweet Nectar (Drinking the tea): Drink it while hot, first smelling its aroma, then tasting its flavor, sipping and smelling alternately, drinking slowly and savoring. Although the amount drunk is small, it leaves a lingering fragrance in the teeth and cheeks, a sweet aftertaste at the throat, and a refreshing and joyful feeling, full of charm.
How to identify the quality of Tieguanyin is a profound skill:
Outsiders can taste Tieguanyin by starting with 'observing the shape, listening to the sound, examining the color, smelling the aroma, and tasting the charm' to distinguish the quality of the tea.
Observing the shape: High-quality Tieguanyin tea leaves are curly, strong, and heavy, presenting a green stem, green belly, and a dragonfly head shape. The color is fresh and moist, with distinct sand-green color and red spots, and white frost on the leaf surface.
Listening to the sound: Fine Tieguanyin leaves are more tightly bound and heavier than ordinary tea leaves. When a small amount of tea is put into the teapot, a 'clink' sound can be heard. A clear sound indicates good quality, while a dull sound indicates poorer quality.
Examining the color: The soup color is golden, rich, clear, and bright. After brewing, the tea leaves unfold, revealing a thick and bright bottom (one of the characteristics of Tieguanyin tea leaves is that the back of the leaf curves outward), with a silky luster. This indicates high quality, while a dark red soup color indicates poorer quality.
Smelling the aroma: The tea soup of high-quality Tieguanyin exudes a fresh and overflowing fragrance. When the lid is lifted and the cup is brought close to the nose, its unique aroma is fragrant and strikes the nose, lasting for a long time, intoxicating and refreshing.
Tasting the charm: The ancients had a saying: 'Before tasting the sweet dew, first smell the holy fragrance.' Take a small sip, gently roll the tongue, and feel the tea soup's rich, mellow, and refreshing taste. Swallow slowly, savor the sweet aftertaste with a dense charm, and experience endless flavor. As for the unique 'Guanyin charm,' how to explain it? Tea connoisseurs have yet to clearly explain it, leaving it for future generations to judge.