Tea Atelier

Baozhong (包種茶), also referred to as Pouchong, is a lightly oxidized oolong tea, typically between 8%~18%, known for its vegetal and floral characteristics. The flowery notes are typically reminiscent of white lily flowers. Baozhong is considered a “green oolong” as it is grassy and oceanic, like green tea.

TRES is an acronym for Taiwan Research and Extension Station, and is a research and development center for all things tea-related in Taiwan. It’s an institution established to promote and further develop Taiwanese Tea. It is also known as TTES, which means Taiwan Tea Experiment Station.

To explain what is tea, we need to understand where it comes from. Tea is a beverage prepared by infusing tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) with water. Different styles of tea are distinguished by plant variety, growing condition, and processing methods. Each tea variety has its own flavor, color, and aroma.

GABA Tea is a tea that has a high content of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It's known to treat insomnia, high blood pressure, stress, and anxiety. GABA Tea is processed under anaerobic conditions (without oxygen). GABA can also be found in a number of foods.  

How much caffeine is in tea? The amount of tea caffeine in your cup of tea depends on a few main factors: brewing methods, processing styles, terroir, age of tea leaves and finally the cultivars of the tea plant. To understand the levels of tea caffeine, its helpful to understand the basics of how teas are made.  

Oolong tea is a type of tea that sits somewhere between green tea and black tea in the oxidation level. Oxidation level is what defines green, oolong, and black teas. Oolong tea is a semi-oxidized or partially oxidized tea, therefore it covers a large canvas of flavor variations and complexities.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) literature states that finding a balance between the body’s needs and the different qualities of food and medicine is key to optimal health. Traditional Chinese Medicine food and beverage choices should be made to balance your body’s specific state and constitution.

There are numerous health benefits to drinking oolong tea. Oolong tea helps lower cholesterol levels, helps to boost metabolism, and is a great source of antioxidant. Studies have also shown that compared to broken tea leaves crushed into tea bags, whole dried tea leaves retain a much higher polyphenol content.

Every tea has a heritage that can be traced back to ancient China. Teas from Taiwan are no exceptions. With less than one percent of the world's tea production, Taiwanese teas endured a colorful journey that dates back more than a century ago.