Dong Fang Mei Ren

Quantity of tea leaves: 4 gram
Temperature of water: 80° – 85°
Infusion time: 2 minutes
Maximum number of infusions: 3 times

Begin by heating water to a temperature between 80–85°C, slightly cooler than traditional oolong brewing. This lower temperature preserves the tea’s delicate nuances without overwhelming its subtleties.

Gently place about 4 grams of Dong Fang Mei Ren leaves into your teapot or infuser, allowing ample space for the leaves to expand and unfurl. Pour the heated water over the leaves, covering them completely, and let steep for 1–2 minutes for the initial infusion.

As you savour the first cup, take a moment to appreciate the aroma to fully experience Dong Fang Mei Ren’s bouquet of creamy notes, cinnamon, and dried fruits. With each subsequent infusion, extend the brewing time slightly, extracting new layers of flavour from the leaves.

Organic specials tea: Discover organic specials tea, crafted from the finest natural ingredients for pure enjoyment.

Read more about how to brew a delicious cup of tea.

From the tender buds to the vibrant leaves, every step of production is a testament to the artistry of tea-making.

As the Dong Fang Mei Ren leaves unfurl, they release a bouquet of aromas, reminiscent of cherry blossoms in spring and the warmth of a summer breeze. The tasting notes range from muscatel, wild honey, cherry, fresh pastry, baked spices, lychee, and osmanthus blossoms.

The infusion, a mesmerising hue of amber, beckons with promises of indulgence.

Originating from the Qing dynasty’s (1644–1911) embrace of tea culture, oolongs embarked on their journey from Fujian province to the fertile soils and verdant landscapes of Taiwan.

The late 19th century saw Taiwan’s debut on the global tea stage, with Dong Fang Mei Ren (東方美人) capturing hearts and palates alike. Exported to the West by tea merchant John Dodd, its delicate flavours enchanted even royalty; Queen Elizabeth II famously christened it “Oriental Beauty,” casting its renown across the globe. It is also known as or baihao (白毫), white-tip oolong, as well as champagne oolong.

Yet, beneath its regal title lie tales of humble beginnings. Legend tells us that in the lush fields of Beipu, Taiwan, a farmer discovered his precious tea bushes beset by green leafhoppers, their tiny bites leaving trails of damage across the leaves. Rather than succumbing to despair, he saw opportunity in adversity. Inspired by the aromatic scent wafting from the bitten bushes, he decided to experiment with crafting tea from the afflicted leaves.

Little did he know that this bold decision would birth Dong Fang Mei Ren, a tea celebrated for its unique flavour and rich aroma, embodying the spirit of innovation and determination in Taiwanese tea culture.

In the heart of Nantou County, the Wang Family Tea continues this legacy, melding tradition with innovation.

Warming loose leaf tea: Let our warming loose leaf tea bring a sense of tranquility and relaxation.

Taiwanese oolong tea: Taiwanese oolong tea offers a perfect balance of floral aroma and complex flavors, ideal for tea enthusiasts.

Grown without insecticides, it relies on the tea jassid (Jacobiasca formosana) to feed on the Dong Fang Mei Ren tea leaves, stimulating the plant’s defensive mechanisms, initiating a cascade of transformation within the leaves and coaxing forth a symphony of flavours akin to wild honey kissed by summer sun. As the leaves oxidise on the branch, they develop a unique character, weaving together sweet and fruity muscatel notes, all without a hint of bitterness.

Cultivated primarily in Taiwan’s warmer regions, such as the Hakka areas of the northwest such as Beipu and Emei of Hsinchu County, the tea bushes bask in ample sunshine and humidity. Harvested only in mid-summer, each pluck is selective, with only the bud and two leaves chosen.

The leaves undergo around 70% oxidation process, resulting in a rich, sweet flavour profile. This meticulous process yields a limited annual supply, reflecting both the tea’s rarity and its premium price point.

Read more about oolong tea in our blog.

Properly storing the Dong Fang Mei Ren tea leaves is crucial to retain its freshness and flavor. The key is to protect them from the elements that can compromise their quality: air, heat, light, and moisture.

Read more about how to store loose-leaf tea.