Do Monkeys Pick Oolong Tea

No monkeys were harmed or exploited in the making of this tea.

Do monkeys pick oolong tea. Despite legends to the contrary the name monkey picked refers to the highest grade of oolong tea a tea artisan has to offer. Legend tells us that monkeys were trained to pick only the choicest leaves from tall wild tea trees growing in wuyi mountains of fujian province the considered place of origin of oolong tea. It has been handed down ever since in the west. Our monkey picked oolong is the best of its maker and a truly noteworthy tea.

I usually get 2 3 brews from every teaspoon i use. From everything i ve ever heard monkeys don t actually pick tea at least not in china. For drinkers of chinese tea the label monkey picked is a familiar one typically applied to oolong teas made from the tieguanyin variety in anxi county fujian. Legend has it that monkeys were trained by monks to pick the choicest leaves from wild tea trees growing in the wuyi mountains of fujian province.

Farmer s also will sometimes use the monkey picked designation for a tea that they are particular proud of or maybe their favorite from a particular harvest season. Buttery velvety smooth slightly sweet. I am over whelmed by the difference in tea names i came across knowing both the english language and chine. Monkey picked tie guan yin has been our signature tea ever since we opened our doors.

Anyone claiming that tea they re selling is currently being picked by monkeys or other non human animals is probably misinformed or full of it. I always have this on hand and have a hot cup every morning. Sadly tea is nowhere plucked by monkeys and it never has been but the englishman aeneas anderson accepted the myth of simian assisted tea when on the 1793 embassy to china and carried the story home with him to england. Monkey picked tie guan yin is nothing less than exceptional oolong tea.

The unfurling leaf of this exquisite oolong produces a clear golden cup and brings forward an earthy aroma. If you don t put it in an airtight container remember to seal the package every time you use it. The origin of monkey picked oolong tea dates to the early 18th century when the tie guan yin varietal of tea plant was discovered in anxi county of fujian province. Like with a lot of legends it s always possible there is a kernel of truth to it historically but i am skeptical.

At one time to class a leaf as monkey picked actually denoted the lot as high grade. You might also like alishan high mountain jin xuan oolong.