Oolong tea is believed to have originated in the Wuyi Mountains
along the Western border of Fujian province, and has been exported
from there since the eighteenth century. These mountains are noted
for their ninety-nine grotesque cliffs and thirty-six peaks, all of
which are said to be covered with green tea bushes.
Though oolong tea is now also manufactured elsewhere, this area
is still one of the biggest producers. Wu-yi Yen (Wuyi Yan, Wuyi
Cliffs) tea is a large general category for several kinds of oolong.
They are easy to recognize from the appearance of the leaves during
infusion. The stout, crinkled leaves, when immersed in water, become
bright green in the center and slowly turn red around the edges, the
result of their partial fermentation. The most famous kinds are Wuyi
Shui Hsien, Mingcong Qizhong (Famous Rare Orchid), Dahongpao, and
Rougui. Wu-yi Yen teas are also sold under such names as Wuyi Chen
Chung (Zhenzhong), Wuyi Liu Hsiang (Liuxiang), Wuyi Min Chung (Mingzhong),
and Wuyi Chi Chung (Qizhong).
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