Ti Kuan Yin Oolong Tea | Luxury Tea | Loose Tea in Canada

Description

Experience one of the most revered teas in the world with our Ti Kuan Yin Oolong Tea — Iron Goddess of Mercy. This premium loose‑leaf oolong offers a refined balance between floral elegance and smooth body, providing a sensory tea experience that goes beyond daily routine. Known for its beautiful pale green‑yellow liquor and distinctive orchid‑like fragrance, Ti Kuan Yin invites moments of quiet reflection, mindful sipping, and elevated tea enjoyment.
Originating from the historic tea regions of Fujian province in China, Tieguanyin (also spelled Ti Kuan Yin) is a semi‑oxidized oolong — meaning it sits between green and black teas in complexity and character. Its leaves are intricately rolled so that when infused, they unfurl like petals, releasing a delicate but deeply nuanced profile that evolves over multiple steeps.
This premium tea is perfect for connoisseurs and newcomers alike — whether you’re gifting it to a loved one or treating yourself to a ceremonial cup of tranquillity. Enjoy it solo, pair it with tea‑appropriate desserts, or offer it as the centrepiece of a mindful tea ritual.

Key Features

Luxury Ingredients: Oolong tea
Tea(s) From: China
Region(s): Fujian Province
GRADE(S): Ti Kuan Yin Special
Antioxidant Level: High
Caffeine Content: Low
GROWING ALTITUDES: 1500 – 4900 feet above sea level
Appearance (dry product): Dried green leaves, tightly rolled, bally
Color (dry product): Predominantly green
Dry Leaf Aroma: Neutral
Taste: A distinctive light cup that has hints of orchid-like flavor. Excellent for quiet moments.
Infusion / Cup Color: Pale green yellow liquor, tending slightly amber

Small Batch Blended and Packed in: Canada
Shelf Life: 20 years unopened, 2 years after opening.
Ideal Brewing Temperature: 85ºC/185ºF. For Food Safety reasons, bring water to 100ºC/212ºF and let it cool down to 85ºC/185ºF.

What Makes Ti Kuan Yin Oolong Unique

Unlike fully oxidized black teas or un‑oxidized green teas, Ti Kuan Yin occupies a special place in the tea universe as a semi‑oxidized oolong. The partial oxidation creates a tea that carries the freshness and floral aroma of green tea, while also revealing depth, complexity, and a satisfying body that tea lovers seek.

The tea’s legend dates back centuries and is steeped (pun intended) in cultural tradition. Called the “Iron Goddess of Mercy,” its name honors Guanyin, the Buddhist Bodhisattva of Compassion, reflecting the care and attention given to every leaf through meticulous harvesting and processing.

Taste & Sensory Experience

• First Infusion: Bright, floral notes with hints of orchid and fresh garden aromas.

• Evolving Flavours: With repeated steepings, the tea evolves into richer, slightly toasty nuances, enhancing complexity.

• Mouthfeel: Smooth, medium‑body texture with a satisfying, lingering finish.
  Ti Kuan Yin oolong offers a layered tasting journey — ideal for those who enjoy exploring tea profiles through multiple infusions.

Benefits & Why You Should Choose This Tea

• Mindful Relaxation: The calming aroma and gentle flavour make it perfect for unwinding after a long day.
• Antioxidant Boost: Contains polyphenols that support wellness and balance.
• Low Caffeine: Provides a gentle lift — ideal for sensitive caffeine drinkers.
• Highly Giftable: Its legendary heritage and elegant tasting profile make it a thoughtful gift for any tea lover or wellness enthusiast.
• Versatile Brewing: Great for traditional teapots, gaiwan brewing, or even multiple steepings

Tea History:

Oolong tea is semi fermented which is one of the reasons it has such a unique character. The semi fermentation gives the tea a little bit more body than a green tea but less body than a black tea … and interestingly it gives the flavor a very unique twist. You will see (particularly in the infused leaf) that the edges of the leaves are slightly bruised (brownish). The reason for this is that the leaves are lightly bruised to start the oxidation process. Because they are more full bodied than green teas, oolong teas must not be picked too early or at too tender a stage. They must be produced immediately. Unlike leaves for green tea, those destined to be oolong are wilted in the direct sun and then shaken in tubular bamboo baskets to bruise the leaf edges. The bruising is what makes the edges oxidize faster than the center. After 15-25 minutes (depending upon ambient temperature and humidity levels) the tea is fired, locking in the special flavor profile.

There are several grades of Ti Kuan Yin (a.k.a Iron Goddess of Mercy). This particular type is the premium grade – below the superior grade but has many of the characteristics of top Ti Kuan Yin Oolongs. It has been written that Ti Kuan Yin is at first bitter, then sweet and finishes with a fragrance, which lingers on your palate. We find this particular grade is sweet with a fragrant finish and has no bitter notes.

The name Iron Goddess of Mercy came from a farmer named Mr. Wei. At the temple dedicated to Kuan Yin he was asked what is the name of his special tea. It must be called Ti Kuan Yin in honor of the iron statue to Kuan Yin he replied. As the name was a good one, it has never been changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Ti Kuan Yin Oolong?
A: Ti Kuan Yin (also called Tieguanyin) is a premium Chinese oolong tea known for its floral aroma and balanced body. It’s partially oxidized, offering flavour complexity between green and black teas.

Q: How does it taste?
A: Expect a distinctive light cup with floral and orchid-like notes, evolving into deeper nuances with multiple infusions.

Q: Is it caffeinated?
A: Yes — but the caffeine level is typically lower than black tea and offers a smooth, gentle uplift rather than a strong buzz.

Q: Can I re‑steep the same leaves?
A: Absolutely — this tea performs beautifully through several infusions, each revealing new dimensions of flavour.

Q: What’s the best way to store this tea?
A: Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight in an airtight container to preserve freshness.