Tieguanyin

Tieguanyin is a renowned Chinese oolong tea with origins dating back to the 19th century in Anxi, a county in Fujian province. Named after Guanyin, the Chinese Goddess of Mercy, this tea is also known by several other appellations, including "Ti Kuan Yin" "Iron Buddha" and "Tea of the Iron Bodhisattva." Two popular legends account for its origin: the Wei legend and the Wang legend.

Crafting Tieguanyin tea is a complex process that demands a high level of skill and expertise. The steps include plucking the tea leaves, withering, cooling, tossing, oxidation, fixation, rolling, and finally drying. Depending on the degree of roasting and the harvest season, Tieguanyin is available in various types, such as Jade Tieguanyin, Thoroughly Baked Tieguanyin, and Moderately Baked Tieguanyin.

The tea also differs based on roasting methods and the regions where it is produced. For example, Anxi Tieguanyin Tea from mainland China contrasts with Muzha Tieguanyin Tea from Taiwan. In Taiwan, there's a special variety known as Iron Goddess Tea, a roasted oolong tea crafted using the Iron Goddess Tea method.

Top-quality Tieguanyin ranks among the most expensive teas in the world, with certain varieties commanding prices up to $3,000 per kilogram.