Bai Ya Qi Lan Oolong Tea

Bai Ya Qi Lan oolong tea is produced in Pinghe County in the South of Fujian Province. It is categorized as one of the top four teas from Fujian. The other three well known teas from this region include Tie Kuan Yin, Wuyi Rock Tea and Zhangping Shui Xian. Bai Ya Qi Lan oolong is a labor intense tea with outstanding quality. The processing includes 3 stages of rolling, and 3 stages of baking under controlled temperature.

The history of this tea dates back to the Qianlong Era of Qing Dynasty (around 1750s). A local farmer found a strange tea tree growing at the side of Pengxi Well at the foot of Daqinshan. He was impressed how well the tree grew and the quality of the tea leaves. He was so fascinated with the tree and decided to pluck leaves and make an oolong tea and process it in the south Fujian styles. This tea was a great success with its long lasting orchid flavor, and sweet aftertaste. He decided to name the tea Qi Lan Qi Lan is Chinese meaning ‘strange orchid’). In the spring they added Bai Ya (White bud) to the name after noticing the white tea buds that sprouted during the spring.

Gong Fu Brewing:

Tea: 5 grams per 4 ounces of water
Water temperature: 195°F - 90°C
Infusion length: 25 Seconds. May be infused 6 additional times.

Western Brewing:

Tea: 1 grams per 4 ounces of water
Water temperature: 195°F - 90°C
Infusion length: 2 minutes. May be infused 3 additional times.