Wu Yi Yan Cha (Wuyi Rock Tea)

Wu Yi Rock Tea, Chinese "Wu Yi Yan Cha", come exclusively from Wuyishan, the Wuyi-mountains in the province of Fujian. Wuyi used to be called Bohea, hence Bohea Black Teas were actually Oolong teas from Wuyishan. On the rocky ground, which is rich in minerals, different varietals of tea plants are cultivated. Their names are also given to the corresponding tea. The following tea plant varietals belong to the Si Da Ming Cong, the "four great famous tea plants": Da Hong Pao, Bai Ji Guan, Shui Jin Gui and Tie Luo Han. Two further famous tea varieties, Shui Xian and Rou Gui originate from other areas. There are further local varieties in Wuyishan and new ones are bred continuously. Wuyi Rock Teas are produced using much heat, and particularly, they are strongly roasted above charcoal. This is why they should not be drunk too early, but it is this that allows them to be kept for years. These teas differ from each other not only through the tea plant varietal but also by the intensity of oxidation, and especially by the strength of roasting which can be varied by adjusting the length and temperature of this process. Further differences result from the quality and from the cultivation in different valleys. Wuyi Rock Teas have three main properties of taste, which dominate more or less according to the individual tea: mineral by the soil, bread-like from the roasting and fruity-mellow depending on the tea plant varietal.