30-Second Summary
- What it is: Tieguanyin is a famous Chinese oolong tea, traditionally from Anxi, Fujian, named after the “Iron Goddess of Mercy”.
- Flavour: Floral, creamy, and lightly sweet; roasted versions add nutty, toasty depth.
- Caffeine: Medium compared with many other oolongs and black teas.
- Quick Brew: 3–4 g · 90–95°C · 2–3 minutes.
- Best Time to Drink: Late morning to afternoon.
What is Tieguanyin Oolong Tea?
Tieguanyin (Iron Goddess of Mercy) is a classic rolled oolong tea famous for its orchid-like aroma and complex flavour. Originating in Anxi, Fujian, it is made from a specific cultivar and processed into tightly rolled jade or darker nuggets that slowly unfurl during brewing.
Where does Tieguanyin come from?
Tieguanyin originated in Anxi county, Fujian province, China. Today you’ll find Tieguanyin-style teas grown in other parts of China and Taiwan, but Anxi Tieguanyin remains the most iconic. The combination of cultivar, terroir, and careful processing (withering, bruising, oxidation, and roasting) gives Tieguanyin its recognisable character.
What does Tieguanyin taste like?
- Aroma: Orchid, gardenia, and fresh flowers; roasted versions add caramelised and nutty notes.
- Taste: Smooth, sweet, and layered with gentle floral and creamy tones.
- Body: Medium, rounded, and silky.
- Aftertaste: Long, lingering, and often cooling in the throat.
Does Tieguanyin have a lot of caffeine?
Tieguanyin has medium caffeine compared with other teas. It generally contains more caffeine than most green teas but often less than a strong black tea or coffee, making it a great late-morning or afternoon option.
Types, Grades & Styles of Tieguanyin
- Green (light-oxidised) Tieguanyin: Bright, floral, and creamy.
- Moderately oxidised Tieguanyin: More fruity, honeyed, and rounded.
- Roasted Tieguanyin: Nutty, toasty, and deeper in flavour and aroma.
Grades might be labelled as special, premium, or superior and usually reflect leaf quality, consistency, and strength of aroma.
How to Brew Tieguanyin (Everyday Western Method)
- Warm your mug or teapot.
- Add 3–4 g of Tieguanyin per 250 ml water.
- Use water at 90–95°C.
- Steep for 2–3 minutes.
- Adjust next brew shorter for lighter or longer for stronger flavour.
Re-steeps: 2–3, increasing steep time slightly each round.
Gongfu Brewing for Tieguanyin
- Use 5–7 g of tea per 100–120 ml gaiwan or small teapot.
- Heat water to around 95°C.
- Optionally give the leaves a quick rinse to awaken them.
- Steep the first infusion for 10–20 seconds, then increase by 5–10 seconds per infusion.
Good Tieguanyin can often yield 6–8 flavourful infusions with the aroma and taste evolving over time.
How to Make Cold Brew Tieguanyin
- Add 8–10 g of Tieguanyin to 1 litre of cold, filtered water.
- Refrigerate for 6–8 hours.
- Strain and enjoy chilled.
Cold brew Tieguanyin is smooth, gently floral, and very refreshing.
Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes
Why does my Tieguanyin taste bitter or harsh?
The water may be too hot or the steep too long. Try slightly cooler water or reduce steeping time.
Why does it taste flat or dull?
Use more leaf, shorten the first steep a little, and check that your tea is fresh and well stored.
Why is the flavour different from what I expected?
Tieguanyin covers a wide range of styles, from very green and floral to dark and roasted. Check the style on the packet to set expectations and tweak brewing accordingly.
How to Choose a Good Tieguanyin
- Look for tightly rolled, relatively even nuggets of leaf.
- Check for a strong, fresh floral or roasted aroma from the dry leaf.
- Prefer teas with clear information on origin (Anxi, Fujian) and style.
Avoid tea that smells flat, stale, or overly smoky unless clearly sold as a heavily roasted style.
Food Pairings & When to Drink It
- Dim sum and light fried dishes.
- Mild cheeses.
- Lightly sweet pastries or fruit tarts.
Tieguanyin makes an excellent afternoon or early evening tea when you want complexity and aroma.
Modern Drinks & Recipe Ideas
- Iced Tieguanyin served plain or with a slice of citrus.
- Tieguanyin tea soda: chilled infusion topped with sparkling water.
Storage & Shelf Life
- Store in an airtight container away from light, heat, and strong smells.
- Enjoy lightly oxidised, green-style Tieguanyin within 6–12 months.
- Well-roasted styles can often keep good flavour a little longer when stored well.
Similar Teas You Might Like
- High mountain Taiwanese oolong (Gaoshan).
- Oriental Beauty (more fruity and honeyed).
- Other floral jade oolongs.
FAQ
Is Tieguanyin a green tea or an oolong?
Tieguanyin is an oolong tea. Some styles look very green, but the processing is firmly in the oolong category.
Can I add milk to Tieguanyin?
It’s usually enjoyed without milk so you can appreciate its natural floral and creamy notes.
How many times can I re-steep Tieguanyin?
High-quality Tieguanyin can often be steeped five or more times when brewed gongfu-style.
Do I need a gaiwan to brew Tieguanyin?
A gaiwan or small teapot is ideal, but you can still get excellent results with a simple teapot and mug.
