Shui Xian facts for kids
| File:Shui Xian.jpg | |
| Type: | Oolong |
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| Other names: | Shuixian, Shui Xian, Water Sprite, Sacred Lily |
| Origin: | Wuyi Mountains, Fujian Province, China |
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| Quick description: | Heavy Wuyi tea, the darkest of the dark oolongs from Wuyi. |
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| Temperature: | 90–100 °C |
Shui Xian is grown in Fujian province, China
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Shui Xian (which means "water sprite" or "sacred lily" in Chinese) is a special kind of tea plant and also a type of oolong tea. This tea traditionally comes from the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian Province, China.
When you brew Shui Xian tea, it has a deep amber color. This rich color is common for many oolong teas from the Wuyi Mountains. You can also find this tea grown in Taiwan.
Contents
What is Shui Xian Tea?
Shui Xian tea comes from a specific type of camellia sinensis plant. This plant is known as a 'cultivar', which is like a special variety of a plant grown for certain features. Shui Xian is famous for being a darker kind of oolong tea. Oolong tea is somewhere between green tea (which is not oxidized) and black tea (which is fully oxidized).
Where Does Shui Xian Tea Come From?
Most Shui Xian tea comes from the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian, China. This area is famous for its unique teas. The mountains provide a perfect climate and soil for growing tea plants. The name "Shui Xian" itself connects to the beauty of its mountain home.
Different Kinds of Shui Xian Tea
There are a few interesting types of Shui Xian tea, each with its own special qualities:
Lao Cong Shui Xian
- Lao Cong Shui Xian (pronounced "Lao Tsong Shway Shee-en") is made from very old tea bushes. Some of these bushes can be as old as 200 years! Tea from these ancient plants often has a deeper flavor and looks even darker than regular Shui Xian oolong. The age of the bush adds to the tea's unique taste.
Aged Shui Xian
- Aged Shui Xian is a type of Shui Xian tea that has been stored for many years, sometimes even decades. During this aging process, the tea might be baked again. This aging and re-baking changes the tea's flavor, making it smoother and more complex over time.
Zhangping Shui Xian
- Zhangping Shui Xian (pronounced "Jang-ping Shway Shee-en") comes from tea bushes grown in Zhangping, which is another area in Fujian province. What makes this type special is how it's processed. Unlike the darker Wuyi Shui Xian, Zhangping Shui Xian is usually made as a green oolong. This means it's lighter in color and often has a fresher taste.
