Anxi Tieguanyin (安溪铁观音), originating from the Yao Yang Mountain foothills in Xiping Town, Anxi County, is a quintessential representative of oolong teas. Nestled between green and black teas, it falls within the category of semi-fermented teas, known for its unique flavor profile and historical significance. The name “Tieguanyin” translates to “Iron Goddess of Mercy,” a reflection of the tea’s spiritual and cultural importance. Introduced by local tea farmers between 1725 and 1735, it has grown in stature to be recognized as one of the “Top Ten Famous Teas” at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.
Historical Roots
The rich history of tea production in Anxi dates back to the late Tang Dynasty. During the Song and Yuan Dynasties, tea cultivation was already prevalent among both temples and local households. It was during the Ming and Qing Dynasties that Anxi’s tea industry witnessed remarkable growth. Notably, tea drinking, tea planting, and tea processing techniques spread rapidly across the entire county, establishing tea production as a thriving rural industry.
In the early Qing Dynasty, Anxi’s tea industry rapidly expanded as multiple outstanding tea tree varieties were discovered, such as Huangjin Gui, Benshan, Foshou, Maoxie, Meizhan, and Da Ye Wulong. These discoveries catapulted Anxi’s tea industry into a period of unprecedented prosperity.
In 1896, during the 22nd year of the Qing Emperor Guangxu’s reign, the Zhang brothers from Anxi, Zhang Naimiao and Zhang Naigan, took the tradition of Tieguanyin tea with them to Taiwan’s Muzha district. From there, it spread to various regions in Fujian, including Yongchun, Nan’an, Hua’an, Pinghe, Fu’an, Chong’an, Putian, and Xianyou, as well as to other provinces such as Guangdong. During this time, the production techniques of Anxi oolong teas, including Tieguanyin, were widely disseminated abroad, contributing to the growing reputation of these premium teas.
Brewing Method
To fully appreciate the flavors and aromas of Anxi Tieguanyin, a precise brewing method is essential. Here’s a step-by-step guide to brewing this exquisite oolong tea:
Warm the Tea Set: Begin by warming the teacup and teapot with boiling water. This not only cleans any unseen dust but also raises the surface temperature of the teaware, ensuring it better preserves the tea’s aroma.
Add the Tea: Take a portion of Tieguanyin tea leaves, usually one “pao” (a small tea bundle), and open the outer and inner bags to release the leaves into the teacup.
Pour Boiling Water: Use freshly boiled water at approximately 100°C. Pour the water directly into the teacup, ensuring that the water covers the tea leaves or comes close to the brim of the teacup. Immediately cover the teacup, then gently brush off any tea bubbles on the surface.
Decant the First Infusion: After steeping for just 3-5 seconds, decant the first infusion of tea. The initial infusion is often discarded as it may contain impurities and dust. From the second infusion onwards, you can repeatedly add and pour water to enjoy multiple brews of Anxi Tieguanyin.
Health Benefits
Beyond its delightful flavor and aroma, Anxi Tieguanyin offers various health benefits, making it not just a beloved beverage but also a therapeutic one:
Anti-Aging Properties: The tea’s polyphenolic compounds help prevent excessive oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids, effectively countering the aging process. Its purine alkaloids indirectly scavenge free radicals, contributing to anti-aging effects.
Anti-Cancer Effects: Tieguanyin contains catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), known for strong anti-cancer activity. This tea is rich in tea polyphenols, the primary active component in this regard.
Anti-Atherosclerosis Effects: Studies have shown that the tea’s polyphenols and vitamins can inhibit the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in the blood. This, in turn, can reduce cholesterol levels and improve the ratio of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) to LDL, contributing to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases like coronary heart disease, hypertension, and atherosclerosis.
Anti-Diabetic Properties: Regular consumption of Anxi Tieguanyin can help replenish essential nutrients like vitamin B1, pantothenic acid, phosphates, salicylaldehyde, and polyphenols, which can aid in preventing diabetes. It has shown potential to reduce blood sugar levels and alleviate symptoms in individuals with mild to moderate diabetes.
Weight Management: Anxi Tieguanyin has been used in weight management programs. Clinical trials have shown that it can reduce blood lipid levels and body weight, with a total effective rate exceeding 70% in some studies.
Dental Health: This tea has fluoride content, which can protect teeth. It readily dissolves in hot water and binds to calcium in teeth, forming a layer of fluoride calcium phosphate on the tooth surface, thus aiding in preventing acid erosion and cavities.
