【Tea School】Shuixian
Shuixian detailed introduction🍃✨
What kind of tea is Narcissus? 🌿
Shuixian tea isn't made from narcissus flowers, but rather a renowned Chinese oolong tea variety. This semi-fermented tea gets its name from the tea plant species it grows on, Shuixian. It originates from Fujian Province, particularly the Wuyi Mountain region, where the Shuixian variety is most renowned. Known as Wuyi Shuixian, it's considered a leader among Wuyi rock teas. Shuixian tea trees have sturdy branches and large, oval leaves. The tea leaves are a glossy green-brown, compact, and golden-golden. The aroma is rich, with a distinct orchid and woody undertone. The flavor is rich, smooth, and lingers, earning it the nickname "the most fruity and fragrant of all teas." It embodies a restrained yet profoundly mellow flavor. ☕🌸
Origin and growing environment🏞️
Narcissus tea is primarily grown in core rock tea producing areas like Huiyuankeng and Niulankeng in Wuyi Mountain, Fujian. These areas boast fertile, gravelly soil, excellent drainage and air permeability, and are shrouded in year-round mist and a significant temperature swing between day and night, creating an exceptional microclimate. Mountaintop springs nourish the tea trees, creating a naturally harmonious ecosystem. This unique geography and climate foster the high quality of Narcissus tea, imbuing it with a distinctive woody and orchid-like aroma. Another producing area is Jianyang and Jian'ou in northern Fujian, where Narcissus originated, with a cultivation history spanning over 300 years. 🌄💧
Production process and characteristics⏳
The production process of Narcissus tea emphasizes withering, shaking, greening, and roasting. Withering controls the softening and aroma development of the tea leaves, shaking breaks the leaf edges and stimulates fermentation, and roasting regulates the tea's aroma and flavor. Wuyi Narcissus tea emphasizes its "rocky charm," the unique flavor brought about by rock minerals. After brewing, the tea is a bright golden color with a smooth, mellow taste, neither bitter nor astringent. It endures well, with a noticeable sweet aftertaste, leaving a lasting aftertaste. 🔥🍂
Brewing suggestions ☕
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Water temperature 95-100°C, soft water or spring water is best
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The amount of tea used is about 5 grams, and brewing in a small covered bowl or purple clay teapot can better show the tea flavor.
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The best brewing time is to brew multiple short brews, with the initial brewing time of about 30 seconds, and gradually extend the brewing time.
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Through continuous multiple brewing, the flavor is richer and the aroma is long-lasting and elegant
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When tasting, savor the orchid fragrance and mild woody aroma, and the smooth and sweet taste
Health benefits of Narcissus tea💪
Narcissus tea is rich in tea polyphenols, amino acids, and various trace elements. It has excellent antioxidant properties, helping to eliminate free radicals and slow cell aging. It also promotes digestion and absorption, relieves fatigue, and refreshes the mind. Its mild nature makes it suitable for daily consumption by most Hong Kong people, especially those who seek to boost their spirits while maintaining their overall health. 👍🧘♀️
Narcissus Tea Features
project | introduce |
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Tea | Oolong tea (semi-fermented) |
Origin | Huiyuankeng in Wuyishan, Fujian, Jianyang and Jianou in northern Fujian, etc. |
Tea leaves | The leaves are fat, oval, tight and shiny, green-brown in color |
tea | Golden yellow, clear and bright |
aroma | The combination of orchid and woody fragrance is rich and long-lasting |
Taste | Smooth and mellow, with a strong aftertaste |
Production process | The rhythm of withering, shaking, making green and roasting is very particular |
Brewing temperature | 95-100°C |
Health Benefits | Antioxidant, digestion-promoting, refreshing, fatigue-relieving |
Editor's feeling 🌟
In my opinion, Shuixian is the quintessential rock tea. Its restrained yet rich, multi-layered flavor is a bit like the small pleasures of life savored by Hong Kong people. It possesses the elegance of an orchid, yet retains a warm, woody fragrance. Even more remarkable is its smooth, lingering sweetness, making it incredibly durable. Its mild nature also makes it a gentler, healthier option, making it perfect for those who seek a balance between taste and wellness, whether it's afternoon tea or a quick nap between shifts. Give it a try and savor the quality and culture of this Wuyi rock tea. It's like experiencing a refreshing mountain breeze! 🥰🍃