Assam, one of the most widely used variety of tea. However, Assam is common name, does not refer to a single type of tea. Due to Taiwan’s unique background conditions, distinctive varieties types of tea, such as Assam, Oolong, and Ruby, are able to be grown in Taiwan.
Black tea is graded by the wholesomeness of the tea leaves: Orange Pekoe (OP), Broken Orange Pekoe (BOP), Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe (FBOK), Crush, and Tear Curl (CTC). The extent to which the tea leaves are broken is directly related to the surface area submerged in water, affecting on the speed of tea dissolving, taste, and price.
Black tea from Sri Lanka, also known as Ceylon Tea, has an elegant and delicate aroma and is one of the Assam teas. In Vietnam, due to the shape is long and narrow. The weather and soil environment makes the tea grown in North Vietnam and South Vietnam taste differently. Black tea from North Vietnam has a sharper aroma, while the black tea from South Vietnam has a milder taste. Black tea from Indonesia has a strong taste, and is mostly in CTC grade.
Due to the intricacy of Taiwan’s history, Taiwan grows both Assam and Oolong tea. A hybrid tea plant Assam and Oolong (Chin Shin Cultivar) becomes a newly developed Ruby (Taiwan tea cultivar #18) which is getting popular in recent years. Ruby has a unique undertone of cinnamon. Red Rhythm (Taiwan tea cultivar #21) is another variety that naturally has a strong note of citrus fruit and mild flower fragrance. In the world of black tea, Taiwanese black tea is known for their exquisite flavours that differentiate them from others.
Everyone has his/her own personal preference of tea. Varieties of tea from all over the world all have their own unique flavours, because they are grown in different weather and soil conditions. Come to Ming San, you can easily find your personal favorite.