Taiwan is known for its incredible tea culture and is one of the top tea-growing regions in the world. If you're a tea lover, you should definitely explore Taiwan. You'll find a variety of teas here, from the famous Oriental Beauty to high mountain oolongs. When you visit Taiwan, you’ll be amazed by the number of tea shops, tea houses, tea museums, and tea gardens. It’s truly a Tea Paradise.
What Tea Are Famous in Taiwan?
Oolong tea is the most common type of tea in Taiwan. But Taiwanese tea makers are also experimenting with other types, so you’ll also find a variety of tea bags and loose-leaf teas. Let's take a look at three of the most popular teas.
1- Sijichun
Sijichun, also known as "Four Seasons Spring Tea", is closely tied to its excellent adaptability. You can find its tea trees growing across Taiwan's hills, from the south to the north. The harvest season for Sijichun is notably long, with about 6 to 8 harvests each year.
Sijichun tea is known for its distinctive aroma, with a prominent floral fragrance that leaves a lasting impression. Its unforgettable scent is one of the key characteristics that sets it apart from other teas.
2- High-Mountain Oolong
High Mountain Oolong is grown in Taiwan’s high-altitude regions, where the tea plants develop thick, tender leaves due to the unique climate. This tea is known for its rich, complex flavors, which can be creamy, sweet, and sometimes even fruity.
The taste can be varied, but it mostly depends upon the mountain where the tea is grown. That’s why each one has a slight difference in taste. If you like to try new flavors, then High Mountain Oolong could be the best choice.
3- Honey-scented Black Tea
The most distinctive feature of honey-scented black tea lies in its unique growth process. During cultivation, the tea leaves are nibbled by small green leafhoppers, which trigger a chemical reaction that releases a special honey-like fruity aroma, giving the tea its signature fragrance.
Honey-scented black tea offers a delightful drinking experience with layers of flavor. Its natural sweetness and rich aromatic complexity make it enjoyable worldwide, and it’s one of the most popular black tea varieties.
Does Taiwan Make Good Tea?
Yes, Taiwan produces high-quality tea due to its ideal tea-making environment and rich history. The island's tea is grown in many regions, but the best tea often comes from the mountainous areas of central Taiwan. The combination of high elevations and a subtropical climate creates perfect conditions for tea cultivation.
The humid and misty mountains allow the tea plants to thrive, causing them to develop rich flavors and unique aromas.
Taiwan has been producing tea for over two centuries, and it's a major export commodity. However, since the 1980s, tea production has shifted to meet the growing demand from the domestic market. Today, most of Taiwan's tea is grown exclusively for tea lovers on the island, which ensures that the quality remains exceptionally high.
What Are The Tea Traditions in Taiwan?
Various tea festivals occur throughout the year to celebrate Taiwanese tea heritage. These include tea tasting, demonstrations, and workshops, allowing both locals and visitors to experience Taiwanese tea culture.
Gongfu Tea Ceremony
It involves a traditional tea-making method, which highlights the importance of brewing tea with accuracy and care. They use small teapots and cups to bring out the best flavor in the teas. This technique involves multiple infusions, which allows tea lovers to experience different layers of flavor. The Gongfu tea ceremony's primary focus is on the mindfulness and enjoyment of each step.
Tea Tastings
Tea tastings are a popular way to explore different varieties and flavors in Taiwan. Tea houses and specialty shops often offer tasting sessions where you can sample various teas and learn about their unique characteristics.