• a close up of 3 leaves of iron goddess (tie guan yin) tea
  • the pail green liquor of iron goddess (tie guan yin) tea
  • a circle of iron goddess (tie guan yin) tea leaves
  • infused leaves of iron goddess (tie guan yin) tea
  • a tin of ZL everyday iron goddess (tie guan yin) tea
  • A bag of ZL Everyday Iron Goddess (tie guan yin) tea
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Iron Goddess

Iron Goddess

Grade
Year
Option
$16.80 USD
$16.80 USD
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A lightly oxidized oolong tea, steeped in legend. It contains 25 servings, which can be infused more than 4 times each.

Region 💬The region where tea is grown influences its flavor, aroma, and quality. Different climates, altitudes, and soil types contribute to unique characteristics specific to each area.
 Anxi County, Fujian, China
Harvest 💬The season when the tea is harvested affects its flavor profile. Early spring teas, known as first flush, are often lighter and more delicate, while later harvests can be bolder and more robust.
 Mid spring 2024
Cultivar 💬 Cultivar refers to the specific variety of tea plant used. Different cultivars have distinct flavor profiles, growth patterns, and adaptability to environmental conditions.
 Tie Guan Yin (camellia sinensis var. sinensis)
Pluck set 💬 The pluck set describes the combination of leaves and buds that are harvested. For example, 'one bud and two leaves' is a common standard that can impact the tea's flavor, texture, and quality."
 1 bud with 2-3 leaves
Caffeine 💬Caffeine levels vary between tea types and can be influenced by factors like leaf size, processing methods, and steeping time.
 Medium
Roast 💬Roast level refers to how much heat has been applied to the leaves during processing. A higher roast imparts deeper, toasty notes, while lighter roasts preserve the tea’s natural floral or vegetal character.
 Light
Oxidation 💬Oxidation is the process of exposing tea leaves to air, which changes their color and flavor. Higher oxidation levels result in darker, more robust teas, while lower levels maintain lighter, more delicate flavors.
 10%—20%
Fermentation 💬Fermentation is a microbial process used in certain teas like Pu'er to develop complex flavors over time. Higher fermentation levels often produce richer, earthier notes and darker liquor.
 N/A

Suggested water temperature

85–90°C
(185–194°F)

 OR Allow kettle to cool for 3 minutes before pouring

Simple brewing method

+ + +
2g
(1 tsp)		 tea infuser 240ml
(1 cup)		 4-5 mins

To learn more about how to brew Iron Goddess tea, refer to our Universal Tea Brewing Guide.
This tea is part of our Everyday tier, providing exceptional value while upholding Zenith Leaf's high standards—ideal for daily enjoyment.

Learn more about how we grade our teas.
100% whole leaf tea
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2 cups of iron goddess (tie guan yin) tea bring served.

Taste & Aroma

Iron Goddess tea (Tie Guan Yin—铁观音) is a celebrated oolong known for its distinctive flavor and captivating aroma. Lightly oxidized varieties offer floral orchid notes, a creamy texture, and a top note of green apple, while roasted versions reveal nutty, caramelized undertones. This balance of bright florals and smooth depth makes it a cornerstone of traditional Chinese tea culture.

a iron goddess (tie guan yin) tea field from anxi county in Fujian, China.

Terroir

Anxi County in Fujian Province is characterized by its steep, rocky terrain and valleys that create natural basins for tea cultivation. These unique landforms, combined with the area's consistent ocean breezes, foster the slow growth of Iron Goddess tea, contributing to its complex flavors and aromas.

a wooden statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy

History

Iron Goddess tea was named after Guanyin, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Its origins trace back to Anxi County, where a farmer was said to have received the gift of this exceptional tea plant in a dream, inspired by his devotion to the goddess.

iron goddess (tie guan yin) tea leaves being dried in the sun

Production

As an oolong tea, Iron Goddess is partially oxidized, striking a balance between green and black tea. Its production involves withering, repeated tossing to bruise the leaves and encourage oxidation, and rolling into tightly curled pellets, with variations in oxidation and roasting creating its diverse flavor profiles.

a map showing where iron goddess (tie guan yin) is grown, in anxi county, Fujian, China.

Geography

Anxi County, nestled in the mountains of Fujian Province, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and unique red, iron-rich soil. This region is not only a cradle of traditional Chinese agriculture but also home to ancient stone-carving traditions, including the iconic Thousand Buddha Cliff, where intricate Buddhist sculptures have been preserved for centuries.