Tieguanyin Organic

Tieguanyin is named for the Bodhisattva of Compassion to the Universe, Guanyin (Lotus Born One). Throughout the Asian world, she is represented as many names: Quan Yin, Avalokitesvara, Chenrezig, and Kannon and is similar in her attributes to Mother Mary in Christianity as a symbol of the truest and purest compassion.

In China, the story of Tieguanyin says that in Fujian's Anxi County, there was a run-down temple which held an iron statue of Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Every day on the walk to his tea fields, a poor farmer named Wei would pass by and reflect on the temple's worsening condition. “Something has to be done,” he thought.

Being poor, Wei did not have the means to repair the temple. One day, he brought a broom and some incense from his home. He swept the temple clean and lit the incense as an offering to Guanyin. "It's the least I can do," he thought to himself. And he did this twice a month for many months.

One night, Guanyin appeared to him in a dream, telling him of a cave behind the temple where a treasure awaited. He was to take the treasure and share it with others. In the cave, the farmer found a tea shoot. He planted it in his field and nurtured it into a large bush, from which the finest tea was produced. He gave cuttings of this rare plant to all his neighbors and began selling the tea under the name Tieguanyin, Iron Bodhisattva of Compassion.

Over time, Wei and all his neighbors prospered; the run-down temple of Guanyin was repaired and became a beacon for the region. From this time onwards Mr. Wei took joy in the daily trip to his tea fields, never failing to stop in appreciation of the beautiful temple.

Vegetal butter notes peak at the front of the palate, with a floral backend and a smooth, honey finish. This tea is processed in modern style, which means less oxidation and minimal roasting, resulting in a fresher floral flavor profile. Unlike other teas where older tea plants are preferred, prized Tieguanyin comes from younger tea plants ranging in age from 3 to 10 years.

Cultivar- 100% Organic Oolong Tea

Origin- Sanming, Fujian Province, China

Brewing Suggestions- We recommend using spring or filtered water. Heat to 185F/85C. Use 2.5 g for every 12 oz of water. Steep 4-5 minutes.

One tsp Earl Grey Organic yields approximately 14 cups of brewed tea. Leaves may be brewed more than once to increase yield. Add one minute to brew time.