Osmanthus Tie Guan Yin

Osmanthus Tie Guan Yin 桂花鐵觀音

Tie Guan Yin is better known in the West as Iron Goddess or Iron Buddha tea. Named after the Chinese Goddess of Mercy and with its lingering floral aroma, it’s not surprising why it is one of the top 10 Chinese teas.

This light roasted Tie Guan Yin from Anxi has gone through an extra traditional infusion process – tea was carefully laid with osmanthus flowers grown around the tea plantation. This layering allows the tea leaves to absorb the delicate floral aroma. For the finished product, new dried osmanthus is added for its inherent sweetness and as a visual cue, which we found elevates the distinctive flavour of Tie Guan Yin.

Osmanthus, native to China, holds a special place in the hearts of its people, with mentions dating back as early as 2,500 years in many literatures and poetries. Its prominence is further accentuated by the fact that the Osmanthus season coincides with the Mid-Autumn Festival, creating an auspicious link to autumn and the moon. Beyond its intoxicating aromatic sweetness, Osmanthus is highly regarded in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its perceived health benefits. This flower is not only cherished for its medicinal properties but also finds its way into various forms of enjoyment, including teas and desserts, making it a delightful and versatile addition to culinary and wellness traditions.