Many people may not be familiar with Taiwan Black Tea, but it is extremely popular in Taiwan, to the point where production cannot keep up with domestic demand. It is a rare and highly sought-after tea.
Despite its unassuming appearance, those who drink it are often surprised by its strong and distinctive characteristics. The most notable feature of this tea is its unique flavor.
The sweet menthol aroma and full-bodied taste, characteristic of Taiwanese black tea, provide great satisfaction to the drinker. The true essence of Taiwanese black tea is encapsulated in these leaves.
Taiwan is famous for producing High Mountain Oolong Tea. However, there is also black tea produced here that might not be well-known in other countries. It is called Red Jade Tea, sometimes referred to as Taicha No. 18 or Sun Moon Lake Black Tea. We call it Formosa Black Tea, derived from the old name for Taiwan, Formosa. This unique tea yields a liquor with a very special and unforgettable aroma, a sweet malty scent like raw chocolate with a minty undertone.
Taiwan is known for the famous Oriental Beauty tea. Although classified as an oolong tea, its high degree of fermentation makes it more akin to black tea. Even in Taiwan, we are familiar with highly fermented teas like Oriental Beauty, and these techniques are well reflected in the production of Formosa black tea.
Brandy Like Flavor
Formosa black tea may look common, but those who try it are amazed by its strong and unique characteristics. Its flavor is often described as having a cognac-like scent with a pronounced mint aroma. While some Ceylon teas, like Uva Quality Season Tea, have a menthol aroma, Formosa black tea's menthol aroma is much stronger, making it more appropriate to describe it as brandy-like.
This tea pairs well with dessert or can be enjoyed in the evening. The strong aroma is enriching and provides a sense of satisfaction and well-being.
Due to its strong flavor, it can be enjoyed with milk. However, to fully appreciate its unique flavor, it is best enjoyed straight.
Supply of Quality Black Tea is Limited
Until now, Taiwanese tea hasn't been very famous due to its limited production volume, which couldn't even meet domestic demand, let alone be exported. Consequently, Taiwanese black tea is hardly known overseas. However, the quality of Formosa black tea, among Taiwanese black teas, stands out. This tea was created by further improving the Assam varieties cultivated over a long time.
The production area is in lowland regions where the temperature is around 23℃ throughout the year. Harvesting begins in spring, with the best quality season being summer. The plucking process involves plucking one bud and a few leaves. The processing steps include plucking, indoor withering, rolling, fermentation, and drying.
Storage of Tea
Deeply fermented tea like Formosa black tea lasts for more than a year once the bag is opened. It is very stable during storage and safe to consume even after a few years. However, the freshness diminishes over time. Tea should be tightly sealed and stored in a dry place away from humidity. Avoid keeping it in the kitchen or enclosed areas like cupboards or drawers. It's recommended to open the bag on a sunny day or in an air-conditioned environment. Once tea leaves absorb moisture, they deteriorate within a few days, becoming astringent and sometimes sour, with a weakened aroma.
Beware of Keeping Tea in the Fridge
While tea can last longer in the fridge, it is not recommended. When tea is taken out of the fridge, condensation can occur, leading to quality deterioration. Simple sealing methods are not sufficient, as air will be drawn into the bag, causing condensation. Frequent temperature changes also cause heat stress to the tea leaves. If tea is kept in the fridge, it should be left in ambient conditions for more than 24 hours to warm up completely.
Enjoy Maturation
Tea can be enjoyed as it matures over a few years in ambient conditions, changing its character. Fresh tea has a flowery or fruity aroma, while matured tea offers a sweeter aroma. Preference between fresh and matured tea varies, with elderly people often preferring the latter.
