Exceptional Brewing Endurance
The hallmark of Dong Ding Oolong Tea lies in its exceptional endurance in brewing. It can be steeped more than eight times, while consistently maintaining stable aroma and evolving flavor with each infusion. Beyond durability, Dong Ding Oolong is considered a treasure of Taiwanese tea, embodying the very essence of traditional Taiwanese tea-making craftsmanship.
Scientifically Proven Brewing Advantage
Scientific studies show that Dong Ding Oolong Tea has a total soluble solid content of 35.85%. In continuous eight-brewing tests, it exhibited remarkable stability.
- First infusion: 10.28% soluble matter extracted.
- Second to eighth infusions: Relative extraction rate maintained steadily around 24%.
- Even at the eighth infusion: 3.52% soluble matter remained unextracted.
This demonstrates that the internal components of Dong Ding Tea are evenly distributed, releasing active substances consistently across multiple brews. The cumulative soluble extraction reaches up to 90% of total content, confirming its superior brewing endurance.
Unique Mid-Fermentation Process
Dong Ding Oolong employs a traditional mid-fermentation process, with relatively higher fermentation levels. This strengthens the internal structure of tea compounds, ensuring slower and more sustained release during brewing—superior to lightly fermented High Mountain Oolong.
Careful rolling preserves leaf integrity, allowing for effective release of soluble matter while maintaining structural stability. This process underpins the tea’s ability to withstand multiple infusions.
A Treasure of Taiwan’s Tea Heritage
Grown in Zhunya Village, Lugu Township, Nantou County, Dong Ding Oolong originates from Dong Ding Mountain at around 600 meters elevation. Initially cultivated across just 40 hectares at the mountaintop, today it spans over 1,600 hectares across 13 villages.
For casual drinkers, “Lugu Tea” often equals Dong Ding. But for connoisseurs, subtle differences distinguish Dong Ding from nearby Phoenix Mountain teas—an embodiment of unique terroir and microclimate nuances.
Layered Tasting Experience
Dong Ding Oolong offers a progressive tasting journey across infusions:
- 1st–2nd infusions: fresh and fragrant.
- 3rd–4th infusions: perfect balance of aroma and taste.
- 5th–6th infusions: deep and lingering aftertaste.
- 7th–8th infusions: lighter but pure essence of the leaf.
Each steep brings its own character, creating a refined narrative of “beginning, development, climax, and conclusion.”
Harvested five times annually—spring, summer, autumn, winter, and late winter—the finest quality is found in spring and winter harvests, offering seasonal flavor variety for tea lovers.
