TEAS OF TAIWAN: OOLONG TEA
I don't have a thorough knowledge of teas Taiwan. Così, when I learned that on Wednesday 23 ottobre presso Sciardac Bakery a tea class dedicated to this country would take place, I took the opportunity to make a small trip to that of Bacoli together with our contributor Francesca, to greet the owner Tobia Scamardella and to perfect my tea culture.
The meeting was led by Isabella Lin, Taiwanese tea sommelier, co-editor of the book "Taiwan Tea Taster Handbook" and creator of the brand Hi Cha Taiwan which organizes guided tastings in Naples and in the Phlegraean Fields.
Isabella introduced us to the art of tea tasting in the Taiwanese way and to the observation of the five parameters Appearance (the appearance of dry leaves), Tea Soup (the color and transparency / opacity of the liqueur), Aroma (the scent of liquor), Taste (the taste of the liqueur), Tea Leaves (the leaves wet after the infusion).
THE INSTRUMENTS
The tools and cups are slightly different from the Chinese ones: for the preparation in competitions a sort of mug is used as a teapot and a spoon, which is used to smell the perfume of the tea on the flat side and to pour the tea into the tasting cups.
TAIWAN TEA
The island of Taiwan is an important tea producer. Among the most prized, the Oolong, Partially oxidized tea, a middle ground between green tea and those blacks.
The leaves are rolled by hand and look like small balls.
We tasted four (preparazione: 5 grams with water a 80 gradi, infusion for 2 minuti):
– Cui Yu Oolong Tea, a low oxidation Jade Oolong, with a flowery scent and a clear liqueur, very close to green tea;
– A-Li Shan – High mountain Jin Xuan Oolong Tea, a Milk Oolong grown at high altitude with strong hints of milk;
– Light roasted Jin Xuan Oolong Tea, Lightly roasted Milk Oolong;
– Roasted Oolong Tea (competition tea), competition roasted tea, with a stronger taste than the previous one.
The tasting ended with the tasting of Sciardac sweets; not just because they are delicious, but also because eating is a recommended trick when tasting. Just like drinking water, because tea tends to dehydrate.
The next appointment with the Tea Club - in English - is for Tuesday 5 novembre; info at the link https://www.facebook.com/events/1434307996744629/.
Sciardac Bakery
Via Roma, 128 – Bacoli, Naples
such. 333/4730081
www.sciardac.it
Hi Cha Taiwan
www.facebook.com/Ciao-Cha-Taiwan-2318209121574400/