The Many Names of Dongfang Meiren: A Story of Nature’s Sweet Surprises
Dongfang Meiren, also known as Oriental Beauty, is a high-quality oolong from Taiwan with a fascinating story.
Legend has it that a farmer in Hsinchu County returned to his fields only to find his tea crop had been attacked by tea jassids, a type of greenfly. What could have been a disaster turned into an unexpected triumph. The jassids’ bites triggered an oxidation process while the leaves were still on the bush, creating a sweet, honeyed aroma unlike anything the farmer had experienced before. Much to his surprise, the damaged tea fetched double its usual price at market, forever transforming what was seen as an imperfection into a sought-after delicacy. #
Over time, this tea has gained many names—Pengfeng Cha or “Bragger’s Tea” for the wealth it brought, White Tip Oolong due to the color change of the leaves, and even Champagne Oolong, a nod to its luxurious, liquor-like taste. The delicate balance of fruity, honey-like flavors inspired an entire category of teas known as Mi Xiang, or Honey Fragrance teas, and today, Oriental Beauty remains one of the most celebrated oolongs in the world.
The magic of Dongfang Meiren lies in its unique production, where nature itself—through the work of the tea jassid—helps craft a tea that embodies complexity and sweetness. We invite you to taste this delightful, insect-bitten treasure for yourself and experience the enchanting results of nature’s handiwork.
