Iron Goddess of Mercy
Iron Goddess of Mercy
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This famous and elegant oolong is the benchmark for teas of its type. Aromatic, nutty and slightly sweet this wonderful oolong reaffirms its status with every cup.
Probably the most famous oolong from China, Iron Goddess or Ti Kuan Yin is formed from the leaves tea bushes grown in Fujian, China which are prized for their aromatic and refreshing nature.
This distinctive tea is created by taking the long, flat leaves, rolling them into loose balls and then part-oxidised to develop a fuller, more robust flavour. Oolongs are known as half-fermented and this refers to the oxidisation in this process.
Iron Goddess is a particularly fine example of oolong as it has a nutty, slightly sweet taste with stone fruit hints for a complex, invigorating and refreshing cup.
Iron Goddess of Mercy is also included in the following signature gift collections:
Story
Map of Origin
Iron Goddess is probably China’s most famous oolong, and as with many Chinese teas it has a fabulous name and a story to go with it!
The story starts with Kuan Yin (Guanyin), a Buddhist goddess venerated for her compassion and with the glorious longer-form name Guanshiyin, or The One Who Perceives the Sounds of the World. So receptive was she to the prayers of her people that she was seen as much as a beloved mother as a deity.
One such devotee was a local village farmer in Shaxian who tended his fields next to an ancient stone temple that contained a simple statue of Guanyin. Although his farm was beset with disease, drought and failed harvests, the farmer devotedly cleaned the temple and prayed to Guanyin for a fruitful harvest and relief from travails for him and his whole village.
One day, during his daily devotion, the farmer looked to the iron statue and it seemed to stir with life before his very eyes. As he stared at the statue he is said to have heard whispered words: “The key to your future is just outside this temple. Nourish it with tenderness; it will support you and yours for generations to come”. When he looked back to the statue it was still and silent.
The farmer left the temple and looked down to see a small, straggly sapling and he knew that this was the future that Guanyin had promised. He returned daily to the temple and added tending the plant to his daily duties. Before long the sapling had flourished into a fine glossy plant and he found that when he had dried the leaves and then refreshed them in water they produced a delicious liquor and invigorating beverage. Quickly, the leaves of this very special plant grew popular, it’s scions planted into fields and the wealth and reputation of the village restored for all time.
Product Information
To Enjoy
Place one teaspoon per cup into an infuser, filter or teapot. Switch the kettle off, before it boils, when you hear the water rumbling. Add the hot, but not boiling, water and infuse for 3-4 minutes. Serve immediately or remove leaves to prevent spoiling
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oolong Tea.
Allergens Note: All products are packed in an environment that contains nuts and other allergens.
Our Sizes Explained
Caddies
Caddies
Standard Caddy
Our bespoke white and lilac caddy is the perfect way to keep your infusion fresh.
Contains enough for approximately 40 cups of happiness.
Refill Pouch
Refill Pouch
The refill carton, available in Standard and Large, is a perfect, environmentally friendly way to replenish your Tea Palace Caddies.
Contains enough for approximately 40 cups (Standard) or 60 cups (Large) of one of our infusions.
Sample Caddy
Sample Caddy
Our small sample size caddy weighs 45g and is the perfect way to try a new infusion or multiple different blends.
It contains enough for approximately 10 cups of goodness.
About Iron Goddess of Mercy
The "Iron Goddess of Mercy," known as Tie Guan Yin or Ti Kuan Yin, is a renowned oolong tea that originated from the Fujian province in China. This tea is highly prized for its unique flavour profile, which combines floral and creamy notes with a lingering sweetness.
Tie Guan Yin is traditionally grown in the Anxi County of Fujian province, China. The tea has gained popularity both within China and internationally for its distinctive taste.
Tie Guan Yin is a partially oxidized oolong tea, often falling between green and black tea in terms of oxidation levels. The processing involves withering, tossing, oxidation, fixation, rolling, and drying. The degree of oxidation can vary, leading to different styles of Tie Guan Yin, ranging from lightly oxidized (Qing Xiang) to heavily oxidized (Nong Xiang).
The leaves of Tie Guan Yin are tightly rolled into small, dense balls or pellets. The colour can range from bright green to deep brown, depending on the oxidation level. The leaves often unfurl during steeping.
Tie Guan Yin is celebrated for its complex flavor profile. It typically offers a balance of floral and orchid notes, a creamy or buttery texture, and a lingering sweetness. The unique mineral-rich soil of the Anxi region contributes to the tea's distinctive "yan yun" or rock rhyme.
The aroma of Tie Guan Yin is often floral, with hints of orchid and a subtle roasted quality. The fragrance is an integral part of the overall tea-drinking experience.
The brewed liquor of Tie Guan Yin can range from pale yellow to golden, depending on factors such as oxidation level and brewing parameters.
Oolong teas, including Tie Guan Yin, contain moderate levels of caffeine. The caffeine content is higher than green tea but lower than black tea.
Tie Guan Yin can be enjoyed through multiple infusions, with each steeping revealing different nuances of flavor. It is commonly brewed using traditional gongfu cha methods or in a teapot.
Tie Guan Yin is deeply rooted in Chinese tea culture and has a rich history. The tea is associated with the Buddhist legend of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, which adds to its cultural significance.
