Heaven of Tea

In an attempt to further my tea education I searched YouTube for inspiring visual aids. Fortunately, I came across this fabulous series of videos that offered insight into Taiwanese tea. This introductory experience, the first video of the series, takes a closer look at 7 Taiwanese teas . Beyond identifying the names of the tea, the video also explores tea production regions, aromas, flavors, along with beautiful views of the tea leaves and liquor.

As I finished my last sip of Eastern Beauty Oolong (my favorite Taiwanese tea) the video ended almost in unison, as though it was made for the perfect sipping experience. So steep your favorite tea (maybe a Taiwanese treat) and enjoy your digital trip to Taiwan.

And for those who want a written recap, here is a list of the 7 teas mentioned in the video:

1. Long-Gin The sword-shaped green leaves steep to a jade colored liquor and have a fresh taste.
2. WunShan Paochong The deep green tea leaves are curled, and when steeped they have a fragrant aroma with a faintly sweet and soothing flavor.
3. Semi-ball type paochong tea often called dong-ding oolong tea has tight leaves and a heavy aroma. The mellow and thick taste remains long after drinking.
4. Tieh-Kuan-Yin Tea is partially fermented. The leaves are roasted slightly, packed into cloth bags that are rolled into ball shapes, and then roasted over a traditional bamboo roaster. The roasting creates unique flavors and aromas. Great for resteeping, this tea is mellow, thick, sweet, smooth and slightly sour.
5. White tip oolong tea or pomfong tea is one of the most famous teas in Taiwan, and is made from young leaves. The fermenting process is controlled by hand. The amber colored tea tastes of honey and refreshing fruit.
6. High mountain tea These tender leaves steep to offer a sweet taste.
7. Black tea This Assam tea is fully fermented tea and treats the senses to an aroma that is similar to that of cinnamon and fresh mint