Hello everyone,
I'm Andy, a tea enthusiast.
Dong Ding tea and High Mountain tea are two well-known types of Taiwanese tea.
Dong Ding tea is often associated with "old-fashioned tea," while High Mountain tea is seen as a symbol of premium quality.
Similarities Between Dong Ding Tea and High Mountain Tea
• Both are partially fermented teas, falling under the category of oolong tea.
• They are less commonly consumed in modern lifestyles and are more popular among older generations.
What is Dong Ding Tea?
Dong Ding tea, or “Dong Ding Oolong Tea,” is produced in the Dong Ding tea region in Lugu Township, Nantou County, which includes the villages of Fenghuang, Zhangya, and Yonglong.
The tea plant variety used is Qin Xin Oolong. Dong Ding tea is made with a partially fermented technique, followed by roasting.
The tea leaves are dark brown, and the tea liquor ranges from golden to deep amber, with a roasted aroma, a strong taste, and a sweet aftertaste. This is what defines Dong Ding tea.
What is High Mountain Tea?
High Mountain tea, or “High Mountain Oolong Tea,” is produced in tea-growing areas over 1,000 meters in altitude, such as Ali Shan, Shan Lin Xi, and Li Shan.
It is also made from the Qin Xin Oolong variety. The leaves are partially fermented but are only dried, not roasted.
The tea leaves appear dark green, and the tea liquor ranges from bright yellow to yellow-green, with floral notes and a mild sweetness. This is what defines High Mountain tea.
Differences in the Production of Dong Ding Tea and High Mountain Tea
There are minimal differences in the production methods, with distinctions being mainly in fermentation time and whether or not roasting is involved.
Roasting serves the following purposes:
• Reducing moisture content
• Extending shelf life
• Removing unwanted flavors
• Enhancing the flavor
High Mountain tea is usually not roasted to preserve its fresh flavor.
Another Meaning of Dong Ding Tea and High Mountain Tea
While Dong Ding and High Mountain refer to specific tea-growing regions, these names have also become synonymous with certain flavor profiles.
• Dong Ding Tea Profile: A dark brown tea liquor with a somewhat bitter taste, reminiscent of “Ka Xi Oolong Tea.”
• High Mountain Tea Profile: A greenish tea liquor with a mild sweetness.
Distinctions between origin and tea variety have blurred over time, so teas often labeled as Dong Ding are roasted, while unroasted teas are labeled High Mountain tea.
Additionally, strip-style High Mountain teas are also called “Pouchong tea.”
It’s worth noting that oolong tea is often equated with Dong Ding tea. In Japan, in particular, oolong tea is associated with a bitter taste due to the influence of “Black Oolong.”
To attract customers, High Mountain tea is sometimes marketed as “green tea” in the market.
However, authentic green tea should have a “seaweed flavor.”
Which Should I Drink: Dong Ding or High Mountain Tea?
Both teas have unique characteristics; choosing one over the other is like deciding between rice and noodles.
The best tea for you is one that brings you relaxation and comfort.
I hope this information has been helpful.
That's all for today. See you next time!
#yoshantea #taiwantea #dongdingtea #oolongtea #highmountaintea #teafactory #FSSC22000 #safetea
