The Legend of Dongding Oolong Tea: A History Wrapped in Aroma

Its name, translated as "frost peak", reflects the freshness and purity of this lightly fermented drink. With each sip, a rich bouquet of flavors and aromas is revealed, leaving a long, pleasant aftertaste. This is why Dong Ding Oolong is so beloved by true connoisseurs. Its unique taste and rich history have made it one of the most beloved teas in the world.

Legend of Origin

There is a beautiful legend about how Dongding Oolong appeared in Taiwan. It is said that Taiwanese Dongding Oolong tea was grown thanks to a Taiwanese named Lin Fengchi, who brought tea seedlings from the Chinese province of Fujian, from Wuyi Mountain, and began to grow them in Taiwan.

Lin Fengchi was originally from Fujian. One day, he heard that the imperial examinations were going to be held in Fujian and decided to take part in them, but his family was poor and he had no money for the trip. His fellow villagers raised money for him. When they said goodbye, they said to him, "When you come to Fujian, give my regards to our relatives and tell them that our Taiwanese countrymen miss them very much."

Lin Fengchi passed the examination and became a candidate for civil service. A few years later, he decided to return to Taiwan to visit his family and brought 36 oolong tea seedlings with him, which he planted on Dongding Mountain in Lugu District, Nantou County. Through careful care and propagation, a tea plantation was established, and the tea grown there was distinguished by its delicate aroma and pleasant taste.

Later, Lin Fengchi was invited to Beijing to the court of Emperor Daoguang, to whom he presented this tea. The emperor tasted the tea and praised it highly. Since the tea was collected on Mount Dongding in Taiwan, it was called Dongding tea. Since then, Taiwanese oolong has also been called "Dongding oolong tea."

History of the variety

The history of Taiwanese oolongs began in 1660 with the import of Guan Yin tea bushes by refugees from Fujian. The firstborn of this tea dynasty, Dongding Oolong, won hearts with its unique aroma and tightly twisted leaves, which opened like flower buds when brewed.

Born in the highland plantations of Nantou, Dong Ding Oolong absorbs the strength of the mountains and the freshness of the sea breeze. The minerals of the rich soil and the unique microclimate give this tea a deep, multifaceted taste. Each sip is a journey through the Taiwanese mountains, where Lishan, Alishan and Shan Linsi offer their own unique flavor palettes.

Unique taste and aroma

Dongding Oolong is prized for its rich, complex flavor with fruity and floral notes. Depending on the degree of fermentation and roasting, the tea's flavor can range from light and floral to rich and nutty. The aroma of Dongding Oolong is often compared to that of orchids or jasmine.

Why is Dongding Oolong so popular?

• Rich history and legends: The story of Lin Fengchi and Emperor Daoguang gives the tea a special charm and makes it more attractive to connoisseurs.

• Unique taste and aroma: Dongding Oolong has a unique taste and aroma that is difficult to confuse with other types of tea.

• Beneficial properties: like many other types of tea, Dongding Oolong is rich in antioxidants and other beneficial substances.

• Traditional production methods: the tea is produced using traditional methods, which guarantees high quality and preservation of the authentic taste.

How to brew Dongding Oolong?

In order to reveal the full aroma and taste of Dongding Oolong, it is necessary to brew it correctly. The optimal water temperature for brewing this tea is about 85-90 degrees Celsius. Brewing can be repeated several times, each time increasing the brewing time.

Types of Dongding Oolong

There are many varieties of Dongding Oolong, which differ from each other in the degree of fermentation, harvest time and other characteristics. Some of the most popular types are:

• Lao Shi: Traditional Dongding Oolong with a dark color and sweet-caramel flavor

• Qing Xiang: A younger Dongding Oolong with a light floral aroma

• High Mountain Dongding: Tea grown at high altitude with a richer, more intense flavor

Conclusions

Dongding Oolong is a truly legendary tea that deserves the attention of all tea lovers. Its rich history, unique taste and aroma make it one of the most interesting and fascinating tea varieties in the world.

Regardless of the truth of the story of Ling Fengchi, it symbolizes the deep connection between tea, culture and history. Dongding Oolong is not just a drink, it is part of Chinese tea culture, a legacy passed down from generation to generation.

If you want to dive into the world of legends and enjoy the unique taste of this tea, be sure to try Dongding Oolong. Its unique aroma and rich history will leave an unforgettable impression.