4 Ways to Distinguish the Quality of Tie Guan Yin tea

Tie Guan Yin, as the name suggests, weigh like iron and shape like Goddess. Tie Guan Yin is a semi-fermented tea which is between full fermented black tea and non fermented green tea, having a unique flavor. There are numerous varieties on the market developed by tea vendors now from light fermentation to mid-oxidation about 50% or even more, however they are all classified by its quality. The light-fermented Guan Yin tea is also named Jade Guan Yin due to its fresh green jade-like color from its lightly fermented process. And when the tea leaves get more oxidized, the color of leaves apperently change to brown as well as the tea soup. The aroma becomes more fruity than original vegetal floral.

Let's take a look at its shape, the loose profile, it is telling that is a very general level tea. The finest quality of the Tie Guan Yin should be defined as tight, solid and heavy feel.

The color of better grade less fermented Tie Guan Yin tea should look fresh and green. The mid-oxidized should have fresh greenish brown color. On the other hand, if the color looks pale, then it might have lost its freshness already, and the taste of the tea is no longer followed by sweetness. Moreover, it should not be looked too dry with lots of broken fannings.

From its taste and flavor, the high quality Tie Guan Yin should taste fresh, sweet and fragrant. Any sour, bitter taste or unnatural aroma should considered lower quality, but be aware of some businesses adding flavor into the tea to keep up the aroma which is not natural.

Another way to test the quality of Tie Guan Yin is the mouthfeel after drinking this fresh oolong tea. The good one will last the fragrance longer in the mouth, and can obviously feel the effect. These are very basic knowledges to learn before you start to buy Tie Guan Yin oolong tea.

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