Many of us drink Oolong tea (a variety of which is typically served in Chinese restaurants) more for its health benefits than for its taste. Let's face it, some of these teas are banal at best. Fortunately, not all are created equal.
About this time every year, Ten Ren—a worldwide purveyor of fine Chinese teas—offers its special Spring Tea, a selection of premium Green Oolong from the year's spring harvest. Tea connoisseurs anticipate the arrival of these "high mountain" teas with a level of enthusiasm comparable to that of oenophiles awaiting the release of a coveted vintage. Oolong leaves harvested in winter and spring are superior to those gathered during other times of the year. The fresh, floral aromas enhance the rich, smooth flavors enjoyed with every sip. Rather than leaving a bitter aftertaste (as is often the case with green teas), Spring Tea imparts a pleasant, subtly sweet finish.
Once a year, I treat myself to some of this exceptional tea.
Ten Ren offers samples readily; the 2008 vintage tastes might-tea fine. My budget directed me from the "number one" tea ($170 a pound) to the "number three" tea (a mere $35 a pound). (It wasn't clear what happened to the selection in between.) Regardless of price, it is among the finest Chinese teas I've tasted. Here's to Spring!
Ten Ren Tea
75 Mott Street (between Canal & Bayard Sts), Chinatown, Manhattan
(212) 349-2286
By train: J,M,Z,N,Q,R,W (BMT),6 (IRT) to Canal Street
By bus: M1, M103, B51
Hmmm... I never try to taste a tea form china. that's why until now I am interested about it.
-krisha-
Posted by: buy lipton tea | 25 May 2009 at 01:56 AM
They truly are fantastic—I've been sipping mine with gusto! Thanks for the nice comments, Lainie.
Posted by: Comestiblog | 14 November 2008 at 11:45 AM
What a lovely blog post and photographs...oolongs are fantastic!
Posted by: Lainie Petersen | 11 November 2008 at 03:05 PM