Cicada-bitten oolong, medium roast
Dong Fang Mei Ren, 2025
Weight
Dong Fang Mei Ren, also known as Oriental Beauty, Bai Hao Oolong (白毫烏龍, "White Tip Oolong"), or Peng Feng Cha (膨風茶), is a truly distinctive oolong. It is crafted from leaves bitten by tiny insects known as green tea leafhoppers. When the insect pierces a tender leaf to feed on its sap, the tea bush triggers a natural defense mechanism. It begins synthesizing unique aromatic compounds that, through oxidation, transform into its signature fragrance.
While this oolong is traditionally grown in Taiwan, this particular Beauty was produced on a small farm in Fujian Province. Mainland tea masters tend to favor a deeper roast than their Taiwanese counterparts, giving this tea a bolder, richer profile than the classic Taiwanese version.
The dry leaf aroma is very dense: heavily roasted nuts, thick honey, warm spices, and a smoky tobacco note. Once awakened, it reveals that famous Oriental Beauty tartness reminiscent of cherry tobacco.
The flavor unfolds with notes of honey, dark bread, and a berry-tobacco acidity with a spicy touch. The texture feels thick and oily, yet the taste itself is not as heavy or astringent as something like Da Hong Pao.
A wonderful choice for an evening heart-to-heart over a cup of tea. It relaxes, focuses the mind, and warms the soul.
- Kind
- Oolongs
- Year
- 2025
- Origin
- China / Fujian
- Locality
- Фудзянь
- Tea type
- Farmer-made
Description
Dong Fang Mei Ren, also known as Oriental Beauty, Bai Hao Oolong (白毫烏龍, "White Tip Oolong"), or Peng Feng Cha (膨風茶), is a truly distinctive oolong. It is crafted from leaves bitten by tiny insects known as green tea leafhoppers. When the insect pierces a tender leaf to feed on its sap, the tea bush triggers a natural defense mechanism. It begins synthesizing unique aromatic compounds that, through oxidation, transform into its signature fragrance.
While this oolong is traditionally grown in Taiwan, this particular Beauty was produced on a small farm in Fujian Province. Mainland tea masters tend to favor a deeper roast than their Taiwanese counterparts, giving this tea a bolder, richer profile than the classic Taiwanese version.
The dry leaf aroma is very dense: heavily roasted nuts, thick honey, warm spices, and a smoky tobacco note. Once awakened, it reveals that famous Oriental Beauty tartness reminiscent of cherry tobacco.
The flavor unfolds with notes of honey, dark bread, and a berry-tobacco acidity with a spicy touch. The texture feels thick and oily, yet the taste itself is not as heavy or astringent as something like Da Hong Pao.
A wonderful choice for an evening heart-to-heart over a cup of tea. It relaxes, focuses the mind, and warms the soul.