The myth of Jin Xuan Milky Oolong why is this tea so popular among Taiwanese tea lovers?

The Jin Xuan cultivar from which Milky Oolong tea is made got its name from the Taiwan Tea Research and Extension Station (TRES), which played a key role in its development.

Professor Wu Zhendou was known for his extensive knowledge of tea varieties and their cultivation. His contributions to the research and development of tea cultivation techniques contributed to the development and dissemination of Jin Xuan (Tai Cha #12) . His efforts helped develop new types of tea and improve production processes to create teas with special flavor profiles and qualities. Therefore, Professor Wu Zhendou is often referred to as the grandfather of the tea industry in Taiwan.

The name "Jin Xuan" (金萱) in Chinese "Golden Daylily" was given to the cultivar by Professor Wu to emphasize its outstanding characteristics, especially its golden coloring, its smooth creaminess and the natural milk-like flavor quality of the tea.

By the way, it is really a myth that milk is added during the production of Milky Oolong!

The name "Milky" or "milk" simply refers to the natural aroma and texture of the tea. The leaves of the Jin Xuan cultivar develop a silky or creamy taste when the tea is brewed, which is very reminiscent of the texture of milk.

This cultivar is mainly grown in the high altitudes of Taiwan, especially in the Nantou and Alishan regions. The climate and altitude of these areas provide ideal conditions for the development of the leaves of the Jin Xuan cultivar.

The tea farmers harvest the tea leaves exclusively by hand, using only the young, tender leaves which are often referred to as "two leaves and a bud". These are the top two leaves and the bud of the tea bush. These leaves often have the best balance between aroma and taste and contribute to the quality of the Milky Oolong.

Preparing Jin Xuan Milky Oolong depends on your personal preference, but here are some basic steps to achieve a good brew:

Water preparation: Use fresh water at a temperature between 80°C and 90°C. Do not use boiling water as this may negatively affect its taste.

Tea leaves: Use about 2-3 grams of tea leaves for every 200 ml of water. The exact amount may vary depending on personal preference.

Brewing time: For the first brew, let the tea brew for about 3-4 minutes. You can adjust the brewing time according to your taste. A longer brew can produce a stronger flavor.

Multiple brewing: Jin Xuan Milky Oolong is generally suitable for multiple brewing. The number of brews depends on the quality of the leaves and the duration of the first brew. You can try brewing the tea for about 30 seconds longer for each subsequent brew. Often the taste of the second or third brew is more balanced than the first brew.

Enjoy: Pour the tea into a tea bowl or a gaiwan. Milky and make sure the tea does not steep for too long, then you can perceive a variety of aromas and nuances:

1. First infusion : The first infusion usually offers a smooth, creamy taste with a slightly sweet, floral note. The milk-like quality is often present with its silky texture, along with a delicate butteriness.

2. Second infusion : In subsequent infusions, the aromas may deepen. You may notice more of the floral notes, perhaps with a touch of freshness or a slight fruitiness. The creaminess may still be present, but perhaps a little more subtle.

3. Third and subsequent infusions : With each subsequent infusion, the flavors can evolve and vary. Some tea drinkers report increasing sweetness or a more intense floral presence in later infusions. The creaminess may diminish somewhat, but the overall profile of the tea often remains pleasant and balanced.

Milky Oolong tea is suitable for many occasions due to its versatile flavor profile and pleasant properties. Here are some occasions when I would enjoy Milky Oolong tea:

Relaxation and enjoyment: The smooth and creamy taste of Milky Oolong makes it ideal for relaxing moments. A cozy afternoon at home or reading a book could be a perfect opportunity to enjoy this tea.

After a meal: Milky Oolong's light sweetness and pleasant texture make it a great option as a digestive tea after a meal. Its flavor can help refresh the palate and enhance the end of a meal.

Enjoying tea with friends: If you are inviting friends over or hosting a tea party, Milky Oolong could be an interesting and inviting tea variety that offers different flavors and aromas and can contribute to the conversation.

As a moment of enjoyment: Sometimes it is nice to just have a moment for yourself and enjoy a tea. Milky Oolong can be a pleasant choice in such moments to explore the nuances of the tea and enjoy the moment.

Gift for tea lovers: If you are looking for a gift for a tea lover, a high-quality pack of Milky Oolong tea could be a nice choice, as it is a special type of tea and fascinates many tea lovers.