Iron Goddess of Mercy
Oolong Tea

"Starting with the wonderful aroma, this tea transports me to a better place. Truly one of the great teas of the world." - Sandra

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Iron Goddess of Mercy
Iron Goddess of Mercy
Iron Goddess of Mercy

Iron Goddess of Mercy

Our Iron Goddess of Mercy is hand-crafted twice each year, in spring and winter, by a fourth-generation artisan oolong teamaker in Mingjian Village in Taiwan's central Nantou county.

50+ Servings
11+ Servings
2+ Servings
Qty:

Smooth and rich with aromas

of roasted chestnut and

notes of dried apricot

About this tea

Our Iron Goddess of Mercy is hand-crafted twice each year, in spring and winter, by a fourth-generation artisan oolong teamaker in Mingjian Village in Taiwan's central Nantou county. Our ball-rolled Iron Goddess of Mercy is made from Wuyi and Qingxin oolong tea cultivars and is crafted in the traditional style, with medium oxidation and moderate roasting through controlled baking by an electric brazier. This carefully managed process creates a smooth palate that exudes aromas of roasted buckwheat with a subtle note of dried apricot.

Also known by the name Tie Guanyin, Iron Goddess of Mercy is said to have been discovered by an elder farmer named Wei who lived in Anxi county, Fujian province. Wei was poor, but the pious man who hiked the long trail to tidy up the dilapidated village temple every week. The merciful bodhisattva Guanyin visited Wei in his dream, telling him to check behind the temple for a gift in honor of his dedication. Wei awoke the next day and hiked to the temple, finding a tea tree growing behind. He cultivated the tea plant and found it made a most fragrant infusion. He shared the seeds with his friends and to this day, the Tie Guanyin cultivar is said to have derived from this legendary lineage.

Ingredients

Oolong tea

Origin

Mingjian Village, Nantou, Taiwan

Caffeine Level

Low

Based on a 8oz cup of tea made with suggested steeping method relevant to the tea type. An average cup of coffee contains about 90 – 120 mg / 8oz cup.

0 MG
100 MG
low
Preparation
  • Imperial
  • Metric
Traditional Preparation

Water Temperature: 200°F
Leaf to Water Ratio: Fill 25% of a porcelain gaiwan with tea.
Steep Times: 1st infusion 1 minute, 2nd infusion 20 seconds, 3rd infusion 50 seconds, subsequent infusions about 2 minutes.

For more oxidized, aged or baked teas, we recommend a 5-10 second rinse preceding the first infusion. Discard the water after rinsing.

Teaware

Everything You Need to Brew the Perfect Cup

Mingjian Village background map mobile

Origin

Mingjian Village

Nantou County, Taiwan

Around the world, Taiwan is well-known as a country that produces highly specialized teas. The Mingjian Village is situated in the central highlands of Nantou, Taiwan and the gardens here are incredible. Jui Lung focuses on the importance of allowing nature to nurture the grounds. This can be seen in one of the small Wu-Yi gardens, which has Hong Yu 18 trees on the borders, culinary herbs between the tea bush rows and plenty of nitrogen fixing “weeds” to maintain healthy and living soils all surrounding the tea bushes.

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FAQs

Who is the Iron Goddess of Mercy tea named for?

This tea is named after a figure in East Asian Buddhism known as a bodhisattva—someone who delays reaching nirvana to help ease the suffering of others. In Chinese culture, Guanyin is believed to be a goddess, and her full title among worshippers is the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion. According to legend, she appeared to the farmer who discovered this tea varietal in a dream, gifting him the tea tree as a reward for his piety.

Does Iron Goddess oolong tea contain caffeine?

Yes, this tea does contain some caffeine, though not as much as black tea or coffee. Iron Goddess of Mercy is a type of oolong tea, meaning its leaves are partially fermented, as opposed to unfermented green tea and fully fermented black tea. 

What food pairs well with Iron Goddess tea?

The smooth, rich flavor of Iron Goddess oolong tea pairs well with chicken and pork dishes as well as Asian stir-fry recipes, even spicy ones. If you prefer sweeter foods, autumn fruit pastries and tarts can help bring out the tea’s natural sweetness. Meanwhile, the nutty, roasted notes work perfectly with honey and caramel desserts.

What is the best way to enjoy loose leaf Iron Goddess of Mercy?

Since it’s harvested twice a year, in spring and autumn, Iron Goddess is a top choice for your morning tea ritual during these seasons. To enjoy a more authentic experience, brew this tea in a gaiwan teapot and fully appreciate the complex aromas from this varietal.