Wen Shan Bao Zhong Oolong Tea (Taiwan)

A young disciple asked wise Sifu Lao Cha:

– Master, I overheard monks talking about Wenshan Baozhong tea. What is this tea, and why is it so special?

Sifu smiled, twirling his beard, and replied:

– Ah, Baozhong! It dances between Green and Oolong, like a mischievous sprite on misty mountains. Not tightly rolled like a stern scholar, but loose and free, like a laughing child! Taste it and find a garden's bloom in a cup, with a buttery whisper that lingers like a good song.

Wenshan Baozhong tea, also known as Pouchong, is a lightly oxidized Oolong tea known for its refreshing, floral taste. With roots tracing back to Fujian, China, the tea found a new home in Pinglin, Taiwan.

The name Baozhong (包種) translates to the "wrapped variety". This term originates from the 19th-century tradition of wrapping tea leaves in square paper to preserve their delicate floral fragrance  – a technique introduced by Wang Yicheng, who adapted Wuyi Rock Tea processing techniques to the Qing Xin cultivar (青心). Historically, it was packed in four-tael portions of approximately 150 grams.

When you first encounter Baozhong tea, notice the loose, slightly twisted shape of the leaves, which sets it apart from the tightly rolled appearance of other Oolong teas. This form allows the tea to retain its natural, refreshing, floral, and melon-like fragrance. It also gives the tea a more open and expansive structure, allowing the subtle nuances of flavor to emerge more readily in the brewing process.

The Wen Shan region is renowned for producing the most popular kinds of Baozhong. The beginning of the picking season for this famous Taiwan "spring tea" is an anticipated event, a promise of a tea that reflects the flavors of the season and the land it's cultivated on.

Unlike some Oolong teas, Bao Zhong doesn't undergo heavy roasting, preserving its bright and fresh characteristics. Baozhong is a lightly oxidized Oolong tea, with oxidation levels typically ranging from 12-20%. While its refreshing profile is often compared to green tea, its specialized "shaking" process during production ensures it possesses the complex floral aromatics characteristic of the Oolong family. The initial sip reveals a fresh, sweet, and floral taste, followed by a delightful buttery finish that lingers on the palate.

Those practicing Gong Fu Cha will find Wenshan Baozhong tea to be a delightful subject for exploration. The contemplative process of Gong Fu brewing reveals the nuanced layers of Bao Zhong's taste. With each infusion, new aspects of its flavor come forth.