Huang Xin Wu Long

A rediscovered cultivar reborn through artisan craftsmanship.

Huang Xin Oolong is a rare and nearly extinct Taiwanese cultivar, traced back to the Japanese era and once widely used in export teas during the early 20th century. Revived in the Miaoli region after years of searching, this tea is organically grown and crafted in the traditional and now almost forgotten Fanzhuang style. The name “Huang Xing” (黃心, Yellow Heart) reflects the cultivar’s pale bud color, a result of its low anthocyanidin content—a visual contrast to the popular Qing Xin.

This tea offers a rich and complex tasting experience, defined by a distinct candy-like sweetness and a deep, evolving aroma. Dry leaves give off a subtle, fruity sweetness; once infused, they release mouth-watering candy notes that shift with each sniff.

The first infusion surprises with a pale golden liquor, offering aromas of warm, freshly baked bread and a crystalline sweetness. The second brew deepens in color and character, revealing honeyed notes with a thick, silky mouthfeel, reminiscent of warm syrup. By the third infusion, a soft apple pie aroma emerges, adding complexity.

Compared to Qing Xin, Huang Xin Oolong delivers a fuller body, a more intense aromatic profile, and a strikingly smooth texture. Its Fanzhuang processing brings forward the cultivar’s intrinsic depth and elevates it to a tea of uncommon elegance.

This exclusive tea was sourced from a single production batch reserved specifically for Nannuoshan, making it available only in our shop.

 

Written by Gabriele

 

What is Fanzhuang?

Fanzhuang (番庄), literally meaning “foreign district,” refers to a specific style of semi-fermented tea historically produced in the Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Miaoli regions of Taiwan. Before the term Dong Fang Mei Ren (Oriental Beauty) emerged in 1984, these teas were known for their distinctive “reddish” color, which set them apart from the “golden” semi-fermented teas of other regions like Muzha, Dong Ding, and Wenshan. Without Fanzhuang, there would be no Oriental Beauty today; in a way, Fanzhuang can be seen as the precursor of Dong Fang Mei Ren.
The processing methods inspired the production of Huang Xin Wu Long and, more widely, of all teas produced personally by Simon.
Huang Xin Wu Long is a tea that carries the essence of this historical style while offering a modern, refined taste experience.

 

The tea master

Chang Shing-Shen, also known as Simon Chang, is the esteemed tea processor of The Teaory of Everything, based in Taichung City. With years of hands-on experience and meticulous research into historical tea samples and records, Simon Chang and his dedicated team have delved deep into the roots of Taiwanese tea culture, reviving traditional processing principles. Their mission extends beyond creating teas for immediate enjoyment; they also craft teas intended for life-long preservation.

Employing a unique and meticulous processing technique, The Teaory of Everything has successfully processed 35 distinct tea cultivars in Taiwan. Their efforts have played a crucial role in reviving nearly extinct cultivars, allowing them to be rediscovered and cherished by tea enthusiasts. Through this work, they have not only preserved these rare teas but also showcased the diverse and rich Taiwanese tea culture.

Tea processed by The Teaory of Everything is designed to age gracefully, much like a fine wine. The aging process requires interaction with air, so these teas are intentionally not vacuum-sealed. We encourage you to explore their teas, age them thoughtfully, and savor the evolving flavors over time by sampling a brew every few months.

  • ORIGIN:  Mayuankeng, Miaoli, Taiwan
  • MEANING:  Foreign district (fan zhuang) yellow hearth (huang xin)
  • CULTIVAR:  Huang Xin
  • HARVEST TIME:  7 November 2024
  • TASTE:  Candies, warm loaf, apple pie
  • PRODUCER:  Simon Chang (The Teaory of Everything)
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7 Items left
20.50 €
IN THE TEAPOT
  • Quantity: 6g / 500ml
  • Water temperature: 100°C
  • Infusion time: 5 min
GONGFU CHA METHOD
  • Quantity: 3g / 100ml
  • Water temperature: 100°C
  • 4 infusions: 90, 75, 90, 120 sec

For best results in gongfu cha, brew in a traditional gaiwan or in a Yixing teapot.