The search for answers begins.
The Fragrant Leaf, from whom I purchased this tea tells me two things. One this is expensive tea, at least to me with a 10 ounce bag costing $75.00. the other thing they tell me is:
The name "Bao Zhong" comes from the Chinese term meaning "wrapped". It dates back to the time when tea farmers used to wrap their tea in paper during the drying process. Produced in the verdant hills of northern Taiwan's Pinglin area, Bao Zhong tea is a twisted-leaf, "green-style" oolong with aromas of flowers and melon and a taste that is light and sweet. Our Bao Zhong tea is hand crafted by Wang Cheng Yi, a fifth generation tea farmer.
Harvest: May 2015
Oxidation Level: 10%
Ok, what else can I learn without bothering my compatriots at the Facebook page, 'Tea Folk' or one of my new-found tea-buddies?
Here I find:
We highly recommend brewing Wen Shan Bao Zhong Oolong in the gongfu style, using a small teapot or gaiwan, to appreciate the wonderful aromatics and the unique flavors that unfurl over many steepings. Add tea leaves to fill the teapot about one-third full and rinse the leaves briefly with hot water. Pour the rinse water out and then refill the pot with hot water and let the tea steep approximately 45 seconds to 1 minute. Increase the steeping time by 10-15 seconds for each subsequent brew. Most oolong teas can be re-steeped at least 6 times in this manner.
I followed this steeping time and had a wonderful
brew. I used water 190f and it was not bitter at all, a gentle astringency perhaps, but far less than my sensitive newbie palette generally objects to.
From Steepster I learn:
Wen Shan refers to the name of a growing region in Northern Taiwan. Wen Shan Bao Zhong leaves are slightly twisted rather than rolled as in other Oolongs. The name Bao Zhong refers to a method of packaging that started about 160 years ago in which tea farmers packaged their tea in 250 gram elongated square packages. A mark was then placed on this tea that said Bao Zhong, or wrapping type. When the Bao Zhong method came to Taiwan Wen Shan in northern Taiwan produced the best quality Bao Zhong. As a result, Wen Shan Bao Zhong became a commonly used term. This tea is oxidized 15%-30% with a wonderful fresh floral fruit fragrance. Wen Shan Bao Zhong is most famous for its aroma, which is sure to open your eyes any time of the day or early evening. May also serve as a light desert.
I dont know about the dessert part, I find Oriental Beauty far more delicate and sweet, but it is very, very pleasurable and most certainly is waking me up.
