Tieguanyin (铁观音) — Iron Goddess of Compassion (often called iron goddess of mercy) — is one of China’s most famous oolongs, produced in Anxi county, Fujian province. (Tea Guardian) The name refers to Guanyin, the Buddhist bodhisattva of compassion, and the iron-heavy soil of Anxi said to give the tea its distinctive mineral backbone.
Flavor Profile
Tieguanyin’s signature is its orchid fragrance (兰花香 / lánhuā xiāng) — a naturally occurring floral aroma distinct to this cultivar. Fresh, lightly oxidized Tieguanyin is green, crisp, and intensely floral with a creamy sweetness and a clean, lingering finish. Roasted versions develop deeper, more toasted notes with reduced floral character.
Two Main Styles
- Qingxiang (清香) — Light Fragrance Style: Lightly oxidized, green in the cup, intensely floral. The modern style, refrigerated after production to preserve freshness. Best consumed within a year of harvest.
- Nongxiang (浓香) — Rich Fragrance Style: More heavily oxidized or roasted. Warmer, deeper, more complex. Better for aging. Traditional processing style.
How to Brew
| Method | Water Temp | Ratio | Steep Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gongfu (recommended) | 90–95°C | 5–8g per 100ml | 15–25 sec, 6–8 steeps |
| Western | 90°C | 3g per 200ml | 2 min |
Tip: The rolled pellet form of Tieguanyin takes 1–2 steeps to fully open. Don’t judge it by the first pour — it gets better as the leaf unfurls.
Teabelly’s Tieguanyin
We source Tieguanyin from Anxi county, selecting from Qingxiang style grades that balance floral intensity with depth. Available as whole leaf and as a premium teabag for wholesale — our Iron Goddess of Compassion teabag is one of our flagship B2B offerings.