Ginseng oolong
Tasting notes: honey, ginseng, 'Barbaris' candy
Ginseng oolong is a delightful fusion of tradition and vitality, offering the rich, floral depth of oolong tea with the energizing properties of ginseng. The flavors are sweet and lingering, with hints of honey and fresh herbs. The texture is smooth and creamy. The subtle earthiness of ginseng adds an invigorating touch, making this tea both soothing and revitalizing.
Tea Region
Tea tree
Cultivar
Harvest
Picking & processing
Alishan, Chiayi, Taiwan
Camellia sinensis sinensis
Chin Xin
Spring, 2023
Up to the forth leaf
Long before it became a modern-day favorite, the harmonious blend of tea and ginseng was celebrated in ancient China, with references dating back to 741 BC in the text 《本草拾遗》. Yet, it was around 500 years ago that Ginseng Oolong ascended to its regal status as a tribute tea served exclusively to the emperor. Known as the 'King's Tea' or 'Orchid Beauty' (Lan Gui Ren), it was named after a beloved concubine of the Tang Dynasty.
This tea is a testament to the time-honored tradition of combining the earthy, robust flavors of oolong with the invigorating, slightly sweet notes of ginseng. When brewed, it releases a golden liquor with a smooth, slightly creamy texture, layered with herbal undertones and a touch of natural sweetness that lingers on the palate. Sipping this tea feels like indulging in a piece of history—each cup offering not just flavor, but also a connection to the ancient wisdom of Chinese herbalism.
Almond cookies
The nutty, buttery flavor of almond cookies complements the earthy, slightly sweet notes of Ginseng Oolong, creating a balanced pairing that highlights the tea's complexity.
Lightly grilled chicken with honey glaze
The mild sweetness and subtle char of grilled chicken enhance the tea’s herbal undertones, while the honey adds a touch of richness that echoes the ginseng’s natural sweetness.
Fresh mango slices
The juicy, tropical sweetness of mango pairs beautifully with the tea's smooth texture, adding a refreshing contrast to the ginseng's slight bitterness.
Saffron rice
The aromatic and slightly floral flavor of saffron rice brings out the more delicate notes of the tea, while its light, fluffy texture provides a perfect backdrop for the tea’s more robust elements.
Tea character
Leaf
fresh wood, sweet grass, sugared dry pineapple
Cup
wet grass under the sun, dried fruits
Flavor
caramelized ginger, licorice root,
roasted nuts
How to brew
Temperature
Tea weight
Water amount
Steeping time
95-98 °C
5 gram
100ml
30 sec (add 5 sec per steep, up to 10 steeps)
Temperature
Tea weight
Water amount
Steeping time
95-98 °C
3 gram
500ml
90 sec (you can resteep 2-3 times)