Oriental Beauty Tea | 東方美人｜

$$12

12 hours In-person classes
10 Taiwan specialty tasting exercises
Practice Tea cup
Access on tea learning material
Certificate of Completion

Program Overview

Tea is like a person. Just as wounds can make a person weak or strong, the challenges faced by tea plants shape their unique characteristics. These “wounds” are what make Oriental Beauty Tea truly special.

The Essence of Oriental Beauty Tea

Hailing from the beautiful island of Formosa, Oriental Beauty Tea is one of the most precious and challenging teas to master. This tea was perhaps the first successful example of producing bug-bitten tea, creating a category known as “honey-flavored” teas.

The Magic Behind the Flavor

The secret lies in the tiny insect known as Jacobiasca formosana, or the green leafhopper. These insects feed on the tea leaves, activating the plant’s self-defense mechanisms, which produce phytoalexins, especially terpenes like thermotrienols. These compounds act as natural repellents and attract predators to feed on the insects. One notable terpene, hotrienol, is found in grapes, honey, and Darjeeling tea, contributing to the desirable musky aroma.

Perfect Conditions for a Perfect Tea

To attract these insects, tea gardens must be completely pesticide-free and are usually located at lower altitudes with warmer temperatures. Harvested during the hottest months of mid-summer, when the leafhoppers are most active, the yield is lower than other tea varieties, making Oriental Beauty Tea even more precious.

Brewing Tips for the Best Experience

We recommend brewing Oriental Beauty Tea at a lower temperature with a longer steeping time to highlight its musky, fermented, sweet-sour aroma. As the brewing process continues, the tea gracefully transforms, revealing the woody character typical of black tea.

A Royal Favorite

Also known as the Beauty of the East, this tea earned its nickname after Queen Elizabeth II fell in love with its exquisite flavor.

Indulge in the Exquisite Taste of Oriental Beauty Tea

Experience the musky, honey-like aroma and complex flavors of Oriental Beauty Tea. This precious and rare tea will elevate your tea ritual, offering a truly unique and unforgettable taste.

Course Overview:

Master the art of designing visually stunning, user-friendly interfaces with our UI Design Essentials course. Learn the core principles of design, including typography, color theory, and layout techniques, to create interfaces that not only look great but also provide seamless user experiences.

What You Will Learn:

– How to brew different teas
– Introduction to the Taiwanese tea ceremony
– The art of brewing tea and its aesthetic experience
– Tea ceremony practice and sharing

Course Features:

Participating in collaborative projects can spark creativity and lead to innovative solutions in design.
Learning from industry experts through discussions and hands-on workshops can greatly enhance your design skills.
Exploring various design resources and applications can provide inspiration and tools to elevate your work.
Analyzing real-world case studies helps to understand practical applications of design principles and user feedback.
Receiving personalized feedback from experienced designers can guide your growth and improve your work.

Who Should Take This Course:

This program is a fantastic opportunity for beginners who are excited to learn the fundamentals of UI design.
It's perfect for designers who want to take their skills to the next level and explore advanced techniques.
This course is a great fit for anyone who is passionate about crafting digital experiences that prioritize user needs.

Origin
● Location: Beipu, Hsinchu County, Taiwan
● Altitude: 300-400m
● Cultivar: Qing Xin Da Mao

Processing
● Oxidation: 60-70%
● Roast: none

Appearance
● Dry leaf: twisted and wiry whole leaves, autumn leaf colours ranging from golden-white buds, to umber-black strips, to ochre-brown open leaves
● Wet leaf: unfurls partially, bruised edges
● Liquor: persimmon colour, orange-brown hue

Aroma
● Dry leaf: plum, nectarine, citrus rind
● Wet leaf: baked peach, geranium, rose
● Empty cup: dessert wine

Flavour
● Taste: elderflower, grape skin
● Aftertaste: acacia honey, dried longan
● Mouthfeel: soft, dense, zero-low astringency

Brewing tips

The following tips are for your guidance. Please feel free to adjust to taste.● 5g per 100ml at 85°C (185°F)
● 20-30 secs for 1st steep
● add 10-15 secs for each re-steep
● 5-8 steeps total