Named after the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (known in Chinese as Guan Yin), Tie Guan Yin means "Iron Goddess of Mercy". According to one legend, the iron statue of Guan Yin was located in a rundown temple in the Anxi county in the Fujian province.  A poor farmer walking by noted that the iron statue of Guan Yin should be cared for. So he brushed and swept the temple twice a month for many months. One night Guan Yin appeared before him in a dream and told him about a cave behind the temple that contained a treasure for his compassion. In the cave, he found a single shoot of tea growing. The farmer planted this in his field and it grew to become one of the most famous teas in China. In honor of this, he repaired the template and named the tea after the iron statue of Guan Yin.

This oolong typically resembles green tea with only a little fermentation. Consequently, it has a very flowery, delicate aroma without "grassiness" or astringency as found in green tea. It is a bright and cheerful with refreshing highlights.

Other names:
Tie Guan Yin, Iron Goddess of Compassion, 鐵觀音

Appearance:
Brews into a golden green color.

Aroma:
An exotic nose of sweet basil mixed with a dose of vanilla. There is a slight roasted chestnut with hints of verdant green.

Taste:
Rich, full and incredibly smooth with a green licorice sweetness that caresses the palate.  Lovely, smoky flavor commands the mouth even after the last sip.

Origin:
Fujian Province, China