A young disciple, Bao, approached Sifu Lao Cha: – Master, I heard a saying: "Universe in a cup," but I don't get it. Can you explain what it means?
With a grin, Lao Cha steeped some You Hua Xiang Dancong Oolong in a Chaozhou teapot. Handing the teapot to the young disciple, he said: – Smell the fragrance and tell me what you reckon.
The young man inhaled deeply, eyes widening. – Pomelo flowers, Sifu!
Lao Cha nodded: – Now, taste.
Bao sipped, pausing to savor: – A dance of grapefruit, sharp yet harmoniously floral! And now... now I feel the sweetness of charcoal roast, coming from a farmer's devoted and experienced hands. And then... the alpine freshness of Phoenix mountains!
Lao Cha, with a playful twinkle in his eye, took a sip himself and said: – This tea, my boy, is like an old soul with young leaves. It holds tales from 900 years ago yet dances on your palate like a spirited youth, bold with a hint of mischief. You see, in a single cup, centuries whisper and nature sings. Each taste tells a tale. And that, dear Bao, is the universe in a cup!
The You Hua Xiang Dan Cong Oolong (Pomelo Blossom Aroma Oolong) is not just another tea; it tells a story that spans centuries, offering a connection to history with every sip. Originating from the Wu Yi Shui Xian cultivar but re-rooted in the Feng Huang area, this naturally occurring hybrid, a unique varietal of Dan Cong tea, has been developing for around 900 years, tracing its lineage back to the South Song dynasty.
Dan Cong oolong is a distinctive tea from the Phoenix Mountains in Guangdong, China. This unique type of oolong stands out for its rich tapestry of flavors. Each Dan Cong tea is fine-tuned to emulate natural aromas, ranging from blooming flowers to ripe fruits. This exceptional quality has been nurtured over centuries, rooted in the very soil and traditions of the region. Dancong Oolong is an integral part of Guangdong's culture that played a pivotal role in shaping Gong Fu Cha.
The name "Pomelo
Blossom Aroma" (柚花香 – You Hua Xiang) captures the essence of the tea's character. The aroma wafting from a freshly brewed pot is reminiscent of pomelo flowers. And when you look closer at the leaves, you see the resemblance with pomelo tree leaves.
Youhua Xiang Dancong leaves after sun-drying
The story of this Dancong oolong isn't just about ancient times, though. Bring in the Chen family – Chaozhou locals who have poured their heart and soul into cultivating this tea for three generations. Their commitment goes beyond traditional farming; they're dedicated to organic practices, ensuring the tea thrives without the aid of synthetic chemicals. The tea shrubs have grown impressively, reaching heights that require the farmers to literally climb to the top for plucking.
Plucking the tea shrubs
Once harvested, the tea leaves undergo a medium to heavy roast using the traditional charcoal method, giving the tea a rich flavor.
When it comes to taste, You Hua Xiang Dancong oolong doesn't hold back. It invites your palate with sharp, tingly sensations, evoking the essence of grapefruit and pomelo. It is bold yet complex and layered with a long, lingering, mouthwatering finish. The aroma is a delightful marriage of floral notes complemented by hints from the roast, making for a truly immersive experience.
Brewing guidelines:
205℉ / 95℃
1g per 50ml 
3-4min
1g per 15ml 5sec + 5sec for each subsequent infusion
Customer Reviews
When I first received this tea I was excited to try it however when I brewed it using the recommended method on the pouch I found that it was pretty lacking in flavor, much to my disappointment. So, I decided to try the Chaozhou brewing method with this tea (which I've never really tried before) and WOW what a difference that made! I brewed it in my 120ml Zhuni clay teapot and used 8 grams of tea with boiling hot water. I did flash steeps and discarded the first brew. The second brew was just awesome. Now I know what a Pomelo flower tastes like and I really enjoy it. I did more than 3 steepings of this as is normally recommended because that amount of tea is a lot to use and only get like 2-3 brews out of. The flavor wasn't the same in subsequent brewings as the 2nd steeping but overall I enjoyed this tea much more when brewing it this way rather than regular Gong Fu brewing. Needless to say, I may have to try Chaozhou brewing more often!
