🫖 How to Brew Tieguanyin Tea (Iron Goddess Oolong) | Benefits, Storage & Gongfu Guide
Fragrance Lasts Seven Steeps, Aroma Lingers After the Sip — Tieguanyin is more than tea; it’s an aromatic journey steeped in Chinese tradition.
🏮 What Is Tieguanyin (TGY)?
Tieguanyin, also known as “Iron Goddess of Mercy”, is a premium Chinese Oolong tea originating from Xiping, Anxi County, Fujian Province. It’s one of China’s top ten famous teas, renowned for its orchid-like fragrance, multiple infusions, and long-lasting sweetness known as the “Guanyin Rhyme”.
Among its varieties, Red-Heart Tieguanyin is considered the most traditional and authentic.
📊 Tieguanyin Tea Profile
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Tea Type | Oolong (Wulong) |
| Fermentation | Semi-Fermented |
| TCM Property | Neutral (Not hot or cold) |
| Origin | Anxi, Fujian, China |
🌿 Health Benefits of Tieguanyin Tea
Drinking Tieguanyin regularly may support:
✅ Digestion & Bloating Relief
Helps break down oils, stimulate digestion, and reduce post-meal heaviness.
✅ Weight Management
Aids fat metabolism and supports healthy weight loss goals.
✅ Internal Cooling & Detox
Moistens the throat, promotes saliva, and clears internal heat.
✅ Skin & Respiratory Support
Great for people suffering from dry environments, sore throat, or skin dehydration.
🍵 How to Brew Tieguanyin Oolong Tea (Gongfu Style)
Recommended Brewing Ratio:
• 8g Tieguanyin | 110ml Gaiwan | 100°C water
• Use filtered or spring water for best flavor
🔁 Step-by-Step Brewing Instructions
- Warm the Teaware
Rinse your gaiwan or Yixing pot with hot water to cleanse and preheat. - Add the Tea
Place 8g of loose Tieguanyin leaves into your warmed gaiwan. - Rinse (Awaken the Leaves)
Pour boiling water and immediately pour it off after 5–10 seconds. - First Steep
Steep with 100°C water for 15–30 seconds, depending on taste preference. - Serve Properly
Pour all tea into a fairness cup (cha hai) to prevent over-extraction.
☑️ Pro Brewing Tips
- Increase steep time by 5 seconds with each infusion
- Ideal for 7–9 steeps, each offering new fragrance layers
- Never leave water sitting in the gaiwan—pour promptly
🧊 Tieguanyin Tea Storage Guide
To maintain freshness and aroma:
| Form | Storage Method |
|---|---|
| Sealed Sachets | Keep in airtight tin containers in a dry cupboard |
| Loose Leaf Tea | Vacuum-sealed foil bags or squeeze out excess air manually |
Best Conditions:
- Temperature: Below 25°C (77°F)
- Humidity: Below 50%
- Avoid light, heat, moisture, and strong odors
Best freshness window: 24–36 months
👤 Who Should Drink Tieguanyin Tea?
✅ Recommended for:
- Individuals with bloating or indigestion
- People with high blood lipids or poor metabolism
- Those in dry or heated environments
❌ Avoid if:
- You have anemia or are sensitive to caffeine
