Northern Fujian Oolong Collection--6 representative flavors 100g

The Northern Fujian region is considered the birthplace of Oolong tea, and the traditional crafting methods of Wuyi Rock Tea have been recognized as part of China’s intangible cultural heritage. This collection brings together iconic oolong varieties from the Song Dynasty (Wuyi Qizhong and Jian'ou Dwarf Oolong) to today (Blended Da Hong Pao, Wuyi Rougui, Aged Tree Shuixian Oolong ), along with emerging cultivars with great future potential (Rui Xiang Oolong). Each tea carries the unique craftsmanship of the region, with its own distinct story and flavor. We hope this collection will allow you to explore the diverse flavors and rich cultural heritage of Northern Fujian (Minnan) Oolong tea.

Product Contains:
Wuyi Qizhong*3 bags* 5g
Jian'ou Dwarf Oolong*3 bags* 5g
Blended Da Hong Pao*4 bags* 5g
Wuyi Rougui *4 bags* 5g
Aged Tree Shuixian Oolong*3 bags* 5g
Rui Xiang Oolong*3 bags* 5g

Processing Time: November 2024

Best Before Date: 36 months

Minnan North Oolong Tea: A Cup, A History, A Story
1. Origins (Tang and Song Dynasties)

• The people used Wuyi Caicha (Qi zhong ) to produce Beiyuan tribute tea (a type of steamed green tea). During transportation, the leaves collided, causing some to turn red and undergo partial oxidation, developing semi-fermented characteristics, which are considered the origins of Oolong tea.

2. Birth (Ming Dynasty)

• After Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang banned compressed tea cakes, the tea farmers of Wuyi Mountain combined green and black tea processing techniques to create semi-fermented Oolong tea.

3. Development (Qing Dynasty)

• Wuyi Cai Tea (Qi Zhong): By the Qing Dynasty, Wuyi Rock Tea had established the basic processes of sun-drying, shaking, and roasting. The Wuyi Rock Tea system had matured, with the earliest representative varieties being Wuyi Cai Tea (Qi Zhong) and its derivative four famous cultivars (Da Hong Pao, Bai Ji Guan, Tie Luo Han, Shui Jin Gui).
• Jian'ou Dwarf Oolong: Originally from the Dongfeng Town of Jian'ou, the Dwarf Oolong (also known as Xiao Ye Oolong) was introduced to Wuyi Mountain, where it was improved through craftsmanship, including charcoal roasting, imparting it with signature peachy aroma and strong mineral finish made it a favorite for blending, earning the nickname “Prime Minister of Tea”.
• Wuyi Rougui: Rou Gui, another celebrated rock tea, dates back to the Qing dynasty. It was once rare and scattered in the rocky core of Wuyi, but it expanded in the 1960s through cutting and propagation.
• Wuyi Shui Xian: Shui Xian, introduced from Jianyang in the 1800s, became a Fujian classic thanks to its rich, woody flavor and thick body.

4. Prosperity (20th Century to Present)

• Blended Da Hong Pao: In the 20th century, breakthroughs in asexual reproduction techniques allowed the successful propagation of Da Hong Pao by cutting in 1982, leading to the mass production of pure Da Hong Pao after the mother tree ceased harvesting in 2006.
• Rui Xiang: New hybrid varieties such as Jin Mudan, Huang Guanyin, and Rui Xiang were developed by crossbreeding traditional types like Rou Gui, Shui Xian, and Huang Jin Gui.  Rui Xiang, in particular, is known for its ever-changing aroma—from frankincense and gardenia to osmanthus, peach, and honey—earning it the nickname “The Shape-Shifter” of rock teas.

Unique Crafting Characteristics:
1. Heavy Fermentation & Oxidation
Northern Fujian oolong follows a unique processing style: longer withering under sunlight, light but repeated shaking, multiple oxidation cycles, and deep fermentation. Compared to Southern Fujian oolongs (which are 10%-30% oxidized), Northern Fujian oolongs range from 25-55% oxidation, giving the tea a rich amber-gold color and a smoother, more full-bodied taste.
2. Charcoal Roasting Process
Charcoal roasting is a signature technique of Northern Fujian Oolong teas. It involves three key stages:
Initial Roast ("Water Walk"): High heat (~150°C) is used to quickly remove surface moisture and grassy notes.
Second Roast (Slow Roast): A gentle, extended roast lasting 10-18 hours, with the temperature gradually lowered to ~80°C. This stage develops rich caramel and mineral notes.
Final Roast (Aging Roast): A very low, slow roast at 60–80°C for 12-24 hours. This step reduces the leaf’s moisture to 3–5%, boosting shelf life and aging potential.
Only dense hardwood charcoal—like longan or lychee wood—is used to ensure a steady, even roast.
This traditional method produces a warm, rounded flavor with a deep roasted aroma, offering a smoother and more refined character than the sharper taste of electric-roasted teas.
3. Rolling & Shaping
No Ball-Rolling – Unlike Southern Fujian oolongs, Northern Fujian oolongs are not tightly rolled, preserving their long, twisted leaf shape with a glossy dark hue and reddish-brown highlights.
Double Frying & Rolling – The tea is fried and rolled twice, ensuring an even release of its inner essence and creating a thicker, silkier tea liquor.

Brewing Recommendations：
Teaware:
Gaiwan (110- 150ml): Best for aromatic teas (Rougui, Dangui).
Yixing Clay Teapot: Ideal for heavily roasted or aged teas.
Water:
Use 100°C (boiling) spring or purified water.
Tea-to-Water Ratio:
5g tea / 110ml water.
Brewing Tips:
Preheat & awaken tea.
High pour for aroma, low pour for smoothness.
Quick steeps (5-10s) for first 3 infusions, then extend.
Fully drain after each brew.