Alishan

When we reached out to the tea master to acquire some of this tea we asked for the highest quality of this tea possible, and we were not disappointed. Even the color of the leaves is vibrant. We used to have a side by side comparison of our alishan tea next to another tea supplier’s but the difference between the two was so great that the photo actually looked altered! And so we took it down. If look was any indication of taste, this would be it. 

Full-bodied, deep vegetal characteristics combined with an aroma of spring meadows. This is a very well-balanced tea; not too much, not too little. Just a very solid sweet, yummy experience that doesn’t overwhelm even when steeped for extended periods. It’s a truly delicious tea choice for a sunny-weathered day. 

For those unfamiliar, tea types are separated into various categories. The most widely known being white, green, oolong, and black. There are other types as well, but for the sake of simplicity we’ll just use those. White tea is tea that has hardly been processed. Green tea has been oxidized some but not roasted, hence the green of the leaf. Black tea is both oxidized and roasted making the leaves black and crisp. And oolong tea covers the spectrum between green and black tea. So you can get an oolong tea that consists either of very green leaves or one that is quite roasted, and everything in between. Alishan is very much on the greener end of that scale.  

The name Chinese name, Alishan, literally translates to “ali” - high, and “shan” - mountain. What it means is this particular tea is farmed at elevations above 1,000 meters, or 3,280 feet. This is important because it enhances the richness of the flavor of the tea. Being so high up in elevation, the plants are exposed to much colder conditions making it harder for the plant to grow. This causes the plant to leaf grow much slower and work harder giving time for the plant to really absorb the nutrients and all strive to get all that goodness in the ground into its leaves. This results in a tea high in mineral content as well as extremely well-balanced. 

To fully experience the rich, floral, and creamy nuances of Alishan oolong tea, try these brewing parameters.

Start with water heated to 190–200°F (88–93°C). 

Western Brewing: Use 1 teaspoon (around 3 grams) of leaves per 8-ounce cup. Steep for 3-4 minutes for a smooth, concentrated flavor profile. 

Gongfu Brewing: Use a healthy-sized palm full of tea per 100ml pot. Use a very generous palmful of tea for a 250ml pot. Start with a 20-30 second steep, adding 10-20 seconds for each subsequent infusion. Adjust parameters per your preferences accordingly. 

This method extracts Alishan’s full range of flavors over multiple infusions, with floral notes dominating the early rounds, followed by subtle creamy and fruity undertones as you continue brewing.

Tasting: With each infusion, Alishan oolong reveals layers of orchid-like floral notes, natural sweetness, and a smooth, velvety texture. Later steeps may bring forward hints of stone fruits like peach or apricot, with a clean, refreshing finish that lingers pleasantly on the palate.

Health Benefits Brief

*hygge panda makes no direct claims to any health benefits of tea. Simply, we are outlining the findings of scientists within the field. 

Here, we have supplied a brief synopsis of the possible health benefits science has associated with the consumption of tea. This is far from a comprehensive list, but rather a peak into the potential magic of the leaf. 

Brain:

– Polyphenol Metabolites (Catechin-EGCG): 

– Anti-oxidative

– Anti-cancer

– Anti-diabetic effect

– Neuritogenic activity

– Immunomodulatory activity

– Lowering blood pressure 

– Anti-inflammatory 

– Free Amino Acids (L-Theanine, L-Arginine):

– Anti-stress

– Calming effect

– Mood enhancer

– Alkaloids (Caffeine): 

– Neuroprotective effects

– Mood enhancer

– Improved cognitive performance

Digestive:

– Digestive Enzyme Inhibition: 

– Attributes to tea’s reputation for aiding in weight loss

– Assists, as well, in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. 

– Gut Microbiome Modulation: 

– Aids in keeping a healthy gut microbiome attributing to:

– Immune function

– Mental Health

– Cognitive performance

*These findings are not saying that tea cures anything, but rather tea allegedly assists in the natural processes that are already happening within the body that keep us healthy. 

*Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of tea were only observed in the studies we found on mice.

To further encourage learning more about this magnificent plant please visit our Research link found under the Resources tab on our website. There we’ve elaborated on the findings and actual effects, along with links to the Scientific Journal articles where the research is fully outlined.