Tieguanyin Oolong Tea
Price range: £5.00 through £8.00
Origin: Taiwan
Shipping UK Mainland: £5
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Tieguanyin Oolong Tea (Iron Goddess of Mercy) - Product Information
- 🍃 Tea Type: Oolong (partially oxidised, between green and black)
- 🗺 Origin: Taiwan
- 🌱 Flavour: Floral, creamy, smooth, with a subtle sweetness and lingering aroma
- 🔄 Re-steeps: Yes – ideal for multiple infusions
- 📦 Packaging: Loose leaf
Iron Goddess of Mercy
Discover the elegance of Tieguanyin, often referred to as the "Iron Goddess of Mercy." This renowned oolong tea from Taiwan is celebrated for its delicate floral aroma, smooth texture and naturally sweet finish.
Grown in Taiwan’s mountain tea regions, Tieguanyin benefits from rich soils, misty conditions and a climate that helps develop its balanced flavour and lingering fragrance. The tea plants are carefully tended by skilled farmers who continue traditional cultivation and processing methods passed down through generations.
If you enjoy oolong tea but prefer a deeper, fuller-bodied flavour with gentle roasted warmth, you may also like our Green Guanyin oolong tea, a traditional style of Tieguanyin known for its stronger character and darker infusion.
Taste & Aroma of Tieguanyin Oolong Tea
- Aroma: Delicate floral notes with hints of orchid and lilac.
- Flavor: Smooth and creamy with a subtle sweetness.
- Finish: Lingering, clean aftertaste that invites multiple infusions.
Brewing Instructions
If you are new to loose leaf tea, you do not need any specialist equipment. View our beginner’s guide here:
Loose Leaf Tea Guide
UK Brewing
- 🌱 1 tsp (2–3g) loose leaf per 250ml cup
- 🔥 Water temperature: 85°C – 90°C (just off the boil)
- 🍵 Steep for 2–3 minutes
- 🔄 Re-steep 2–3 times, increasing steep time slightly each round
Gong Fu Brewing
- 🌸 5–7g tea in a 100–120ml gaiwan or small teapot
- 🔥 Water temperature: 90°C – 95°C
- 🍵 Rinse leaves briefly, discard rinse
- ⏱️ First steep: 10–15 seconds, then add 5 seconds per infusion
- 🔄 Enjoy 6–8 infusions, each revealing new floral and creamy notes
How We Source Our Tea
We travel to Taiwan to visit tea farms, taste seasonal harvests and select small batches of authentic loose leaf tea directly from the regions where they are produced.
Loose Leaf Tea Guide
New to loose leaf tea? Learn how to brew tea at home, explore different types and discover simple ways to enjoy a more satisfying cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tieguanyin?
Tieguanyin (鐵觀音) translates literally as “Iron Goddess of Mercy.” The name honours Guanyin (觀音), the Buddhist bodhisattva of compassion, while the “iron” part reflects both the dense, heavy feel of the tightly rolled leaves and the strength of the tea’s flavour.
Tieguanyin is a celebrated oolong tea widely produced in Taiwan and known for its smooth floral character and elegant complexity. It is crafted through partial oxidation and careful roasting, producing tightly rolled leaves that gradually unfurl during brewing. With each infusion, the tea reveals layers of floral, creamy and subtly toasty notes, making it one of the most loved oolong teas for both everyday drinking and traditional gong fu brewing.
How many times can I steep Tieguanyin leaves?
With proper brewing techniques, Tieguanyin leaves can be steeped up to 8 times, with each infusion offering a unique flavor profile.
Does Tieguanyin contain caffeine?
Yes, Tieguanyin contains caffeine, but at levels lower than black tea, providing a gentle lift without the jitters.
Can I enjoy Tieguanyin cold?
Absolutely! Brewed and chilled, Tieguanyin makes a refreshing iced tea, especially delightful during warmer months.
What are the benefits of Tieguanyin Oolong Tea?
Tieguanyin is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which may support heart health, aid digestion, and promote overall wellbeing. Like other oolongs, it contains moderate caffeine, offering a gentle energy lift without the jitters. Many people also enjoy it for its calming, mindful qualities when brewed in multiple infusions.
Learn more in our full guide: Benefits of Oolong Tea.
Do I need special equipment to enjoy Tieguanyin?
Not at all! You can brew Tieguanyin with a standard kettle and mug or heatproof glass. Just add hot water to the leaves and enjoy. If you’d like to explore the tea more deeply, you can try Gong Fu brewing with a gaiwan or small teapot — this method allows you to experience more layers of flavour through multiple short infusions.
Can I add milk to Tieguanyin Oolong Tea?
Tieguanyin is best enjoyed without milk so you can fully appreciate its delicate floral and creamy notes. Unlike strong black teas, its flavour is more subtle and can be masked by milk. If you prefer a richer brew, try longer steeping times or Gong Fu brewing to bring out deeper flavours instead of adding milk.
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