Oolong Names in Taiwan: Varieties, Regions, and Styles

Everyone knows that every variety of tea comes from the same Camellia Sinensis plant. Of course, there are different varieties of this plant. But the difference between green tea, oolong tea, and black tea lies in the processing method used after harvest.

As for the taste of oolong tea, other things being equal, the important factors are growing height, variety, harvesting method, oxidation and roasting. Of course, the seasons and the weather in a particular year also matter.

In Taiwan, the variety, region, and processing method play an important role in the naming of tea. Sometimes these are Chinese names that are translated into English, for example: Dong Ding = Frozen Summit Oolong.

Varieties

In Taiwan, there are a number of cultivars varieties at the state-subsidized research station TRES (Tea Research Extension Station). The "original", base variety is called " Qin Gxin Oolong. And if the tea is called simply oolong, then most likely it is of this variety. Jin Xuan Oolong is a very popular and well-known new variety, and Spring Ying Xiang Oolong #20 was developed from these 2 varieties.

Regions

Alishan, Lugu and Lishan are Taiwan's three main and most famous tea growing regions, each with its own unique reputation. Each region has its own climate system, soil, altitude and fabrication style. We talk about regions in more detail in our blog.

Styles

An example of a popular style is Dong Ding Oolong. It is originally named so because it was grown on Dong Ding Mountain in Lugu, but it is also a well ozidized and roasted oolong. This is an example of a place name that has evolved into a style name. Most often this tea is made from Qing Gxin Oolong, but Jin Xuan Dong Ding is also quite popular.