Iron Goddess of Mercy (Tie Guan Yin)

Iron Goddess of Mercy (Tie Guan Yin) is a legendary oolong from Anxi, renowned across China and the world. Lightly oxidised and carefully processed, it reveals the hallmark Tie Guan Yin character. Perfect for multiple infusions, it rewards patience with evolving layers of flavour in every cup. A must-have for oolong enthusiasts and those discovering this tea for the first time.

£8.10 GBP

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Packaging

Our teas are designed with sustainability in mind. Loose leaf teas and tea bags are packed in recyclable pouches, and our tea bags are fully compostable, perfect for your home food waste bin.

Storage

Store your tea in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep pouches sealed between uses to preserve flavour and character. Most teas remain enjoyable after their best-before date, though blends with added flavours may lose their intensity after this date.

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Description

Iron Goddess of Mercy (Tie Guan Yin) is one of China’s most celebrated oolongs, with its name steeped in legend and tradition. Iron Goddess of Mercy is treasured for its distinctive character and cultural significance.

This Chinese-style Tie Guan Yin from Anxi represents the original expression of the tea - lightly oxidised, floral, and bright - in contrast to the richer, more roasted styles developed later in Taiwan. It’s an excellent showcase of how processing choices shape the identity of oolong teas across regions.

Tie Guan Yin invites repeated tasting, revealing evolving layers with each infusion - a ritual that rewards patience and curiosity. Whether you’re an experienced oolong drinker or discovering this style for the first time, Iron Goddess of Mercy offers a captivating introduction to the artistry and heritage of traditional Chinese tea.

Origin

Iron Goddess of Mercy originates from Anxi County in Fujian Province, the birthplace of this iconic oolong. The region’s climate creates ideal conditions for cultivating the broad-leaf tea varieties used in oolong production. Generations of tea makers here have refined the craft of semi-oxidised teas, with Tie Guan Yin standing as their most famous creation.

In Anxi, Tie Guan Yin is more than just a tea - it’s a cultural emblem. The name itself comes from a Qing dynasty legend in which a poor farmer cared for a neglected temple of the Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin. In gratitude, the goddess revealed to him a tea plant of exceptional quality, which he shared with his community. That spirit of generosity and reverence still defines the region’s tea culture today.

The modern Anxi style of Tie Guan Yin is known for its light oxidation and floral freshness, which is in contrast to the darker, more roasted versions developed in Taiwan. This approach highlights the purity of the leaf and the skill of Fujian’s tea artisans, preserving the elegant and distinctive character that has made this tea famous worldwide.

Processing

The making of Tie Guan Yin is one of the most intricate in Chinese tea production, requiring precision at every stage. Freshly picked leaves are first withered in sunlight to reduce surface moisture and begin softening the leaf structure. This brief exposure helps to develop the tea’s signature floral fragrance.

After withering, the leaves are gently shaken in bamboo trays - a crucial step that lightly bruises the edges, encouraging controlled oxidation. This partial oxidation is what defines oolong tea, sitting between green and black teas in both process and taste. The timing and intensity of shaking are adjusted throughout the evening, with artisans judging progress by aroma and touch rather than strict timing.

Once the desired level of oxidation is reached, the leaves are quickly pan-fired to halt further enzymatic activity. They are then rolled into their distinctive tight, semi-spherical shapes, which protect the delicate flavour compounds and allow the tea to unfurl gradually during brewing.

Finally, the tea is dried to lock in its complex aromatics and ensure longevity. The result is a lightly oxidised oolong that reflects both the finesse and discipline of traditional Anxi craftsmanship - a process that transforms fresh green leaves into one of China’s most celebrated teas.

Brewing the Perfect Cup

1g per 100ml. 100ºC. 4 minutes

When brewing multiple times, start at 3 minutes and then re-infuse for a further 30 seconds each time.

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Iron Goddess of Mercy (Tie Guan Yin)