Iron Goddess of Mercy, also known as Tie Guan Yin, is a famous oolong tea produced in Anxi County, Fujian Province, China. It is one of the most popular and expensive teas in China, known for its unique flavor and aroma.
The tea leaves used to make Tie Guan Yin are grown in the high mountains of Anxi County, where the weather is cool and the soil is rich in minerals. The leaves are picked in the early spring, when they are still young and tender, and then processed using traditional methods. The leaves are withered, rolled, and then oxidized for a specific amount of time to create the unique flavor and aroma of Tie Guan Yin.
When brewed, Tie Guan Yin has a light golden color and a rich, floral aroma. The taste is smooth and mellow, with a slight sweetness and a lingering aftertaste. It is a tea that can be enjoyed throughout the day, and is often served at formal occasions and ceremonies.
Tie Guan Yin is not only a tea, but also a symbol of Chinese culture and history. Legend has it that a poor farmer discovered the tea plant while wandering in the mountains, and named it after the Iron Goddess of Mercy, who he believed had guided him to the plant. The tea became popular among the wealthy and was even offered as a tribute to the emperor during the Qing Dynasty.
Today, Tie Guan Yin is still highly valued and sought after by tea connoisseurs around the world. It is a tea that represents the best of Chinese tea culture, and is a testament to the skill and dedication of the tea farmers and artisans who produce it.