Jin Xuan | Sticky Rice Oolong
Tasting notes: fragrant sticky rice, almond, New York cheesecake
Sticky Rice Oolong is a unique and aromatic tea from the north of Thailand, known for its distinctive rice-like aroma and taste. This refreshing and soothing tea, enhanced with Nomy Grass during production, offers a special treat for those seeking a unique flavor experience.
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Tea Region
Tea tree
Cultivar
Harvest
Picking & processing
Chiangrai, Thailand
Camellia sinensis sinensis
Jin Xuan (TTES #12)
Spring, 2023
Up to the forth leaf
The journey of tea that's called Sticky Rice Oolong is unlike any other, blending the traditional techniques of oolong processing with the infusion of an ancient herb known as Nomy Grass, or Nomy Ban Zhang, revered in traditional Chinese medicine. This unique herb imparts a distinctive sticky rice scent to the tea, making each sip feel like a comforting embrace of warm, fragrant rice.
The production of Sticky Rice Oolong involves carefully rotating the tea leaves, similar to the techniques used in making Ti Kuan Yin, to coax out the natural sweetness and floral notes of the oolong. But the magic truly happens when the freshly harvested tea leaves are pre-oxidized, and then a small amount of Nomy Grass is introduced during further oxidation. This addition imparts a rich, warm, and unmistakable rice aroma, transforming the tea into something extraordinary.
Loved by tea enthusiasts worldwide, Sticky Rice Oolong is known for its soothing and refreshing qualities. It offers a unique taste experience that combines the soft, floral character of oolong with the cozy, nostalgic scent of sticky rice. Whether sipped hot or cold, this tea is more than just a beverage—it’s a sensory journey that brings comfort, warmth, and a touch of tradition to every cup.
Rice dishes like onigiri or sushi
The tea pairs wonderfully with rice-based dishes like onigiri (Japanese rice balls) or simple sushi rolls, enhancing the inherent rice flavor and creating a harmonious dining experience.
Steamed dumplings or bao buns
Steamed dumplings, especially those filled with mild flavors like pork, chicken, or vegetables, complement the tea’s warm, nutty notes and are perfect for enjoying alongside a pot of Sticky Rice Oolong.
Lightly seasoned nuts (almonds, cashews)
The nutty elements of the tea match beautifully with lightly salted or seasoned nuts, enhancing both the tea’s and the nuts’ flavors without overwhelming the palate.
Thai mango sticky rice
For a sweeter pairing, Thai sticky rice with fresh mango complements the tea’s rice flavor and highlights its natural sweetness, creating a delightful dessert moment.
Tea character
Leaf
sticky rice, floral notes, toasted grains
Cup
sticky rice, roasted nuts, sweet hay, orchids
Flavor
fragrant sticky rice, almond, New York cheesecake
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)