Wuyi Rock Tea, or 武夷岩茶 in Chinese, is a revered and highly sought-after variety of oolong tea known for its unique rocky flavor profile. It is cultivated in the picturesque Wuyi Mountains of northern Fujian, China, where tea plants thrive in the crevices of rocky terrain.
Wuyi Rock Tea possesses the clarity of green tea, the mellowness of black tea, and stands as the pinnacle of Chinese oolong teas. Its distinct characteristics include twisted, dragonfly-head-shaped leaves with a deep iron-green hue, often tinged with brown undertones. The inner essence is lively, sweet, clear, and aromatic, and the brewed tea emanates a rich floral fragrance, leaving a lingering and delightful aftertaste.
Historical Origin
The legacy of Wuyi Rock Tea is deeply intertwined with Chinese history. Its origins can be traced back to the Shang and Western Han dynasties when it was offered to King Wu of Zhou by leaders of the “Pu and Min tribes” as a tribute during the campaign against the tyrant King Zhou.
As tea culture blossomed during the Song dynasty, becoming an integral part of daily life, various regions across China produced a multitude of tea varieties. Wuyi Rock Tea, during this period, was recognized as part of the tribute teas sent to the imperial court and became a celebrated part of the tea landscape. In 1302, the Imperial Tea Garden was established near the Siqu Stream of Wuyi Mountain, contributing to the broader recognition and influence of Wuyi Rock Tea. This garden played a significant role in monitoring and regulating the production of tribute teas for over two centuries.
Wuyi Rock Tea underwent a transformation during the transition from the Ming to Qing dynasties. In 1391, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang issued an edict to change the style of tribute tea production. This led to the transition from steamed compacted teas to leafy teas, thereby laying the foundation for the development of oolong tea, of which Wuyi Rock Tea is a remarkable example.
Brewing Method
To truly appreciate the subtleties and nuances of Wuyi Rock Tea, a specific brewing method should be followed:
Tea Equipment: Start by preparing a set of oolong tea-specific tea utensils. A 90-150ml purple clay teapot or a Sancai cup is ideal for brewing.
Tea Quantity: Fill the teapot to about half its capacity (approximately one-third to two-thirds full) with the tea leaves.
Water: Use high-quality mountain spring water for the best results. Avoid using water with high mineral content or noticeable chlorine. Ideally, the water should be heated to just below boiling and used immediately. Avoid using water below 95 degrees Celsius or water that has been boiled for an extended period.
Steeping Time: Steep the tea for 10-20 seconds for the first 1 to 3 infusions. For subsequent infusions, increase the steeping time by 10-20 seconds with each infusion. The goal is to maintain a consistent color for the first 7 infusions while being able to brew more than 10 rounds in total. Adjust the steeping time accordingly.
Health Benefits
Wuyi Rock Tea not only delights the senses but also offers several health benefits:
Boosting Immunity: The tea enhances the proliferation of splenic lymphocytes in response to CONA stimulation, thus strengthening the body’s immune defenses.
Anti-Aging Properties: Wuyi Rock Tea is rich in catechins, which activate glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and help combat free radicals, slowing down the aging process.
Cancer Prevention: Compounds in the tea have been shown to inhibit the development of malignant tumors in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing the risk of cancer.
Cardiovascular Health: Wuyi Rock Tea can reduce atherosclerotic plaque formation, lower capillary fragility, and improve resistance. It also helps lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels while reducing blood viscosity, preventing clot formation.
Digestive Health: The tea’s catechins have a protective effect on the gastric mucosa, limiting excessive gastric acid secretion and promoting gastric protection.
Weight Management and Beauty: By reducing blood lipid levels, promoting the activity of pancreatic lipase, and inhibiting neutral fat accumulation, Wuyi Rock Tea contributes to weight management and a healthy complexion.
Eye Health: The presence of beta-carotene and zeaxanthin in Wuyi Rock Tea is known to help maintain eye health by preventing corneal thickening and various eye conditions.
