Tea Culture of Taiwan

Taiwan has a significant history of tea consumption and it is an important part of their culture.  Certain green tea species are native to Taiwan and were found growing wild in the central part of the island by Europeans.  In the early 17^th century, the Dutch controlled Taiwan and the lucrative tea trading routes from Asia to Europe.  The Dutch encouraged Chinese to immigrate to Taiwan as farmers, including tea cultivation. In 1683, Taiwan came under the loose control of the Chinese Qing Dynasty and tea cultivation continued to expand.  In 1895, the Japanese took control of the island and introduced black teas.

There are numerous small towns in Taiwan that cater to tea industry tourism.  We took a gondola ride to the top of a mountain and then hiked down into a tea plantation to watch the farmers harvest tea.  Local restaurants serve tea, but also cook with the plant.  I enjoy the fried rice with tea leaves. 

Visiting the towns where tea is grown reminds me of visiting wine regions around the world.  Tea is found drying on tarps in the streets, “fermenting” or oxidizing in yards and for sale at hundreds of tea shops.  A “Tea Master” has a museum dedicated to the tea trade, and of course offers tastings and tea for sale.  My favorite tea of Taiwan is Oolong , which has a following around the world. 

Taiwan exports green tea to the U.S., Japan, Hong Kong and Great Britain and the black teas are shipped primarily to Russia and Turkey.  I enjoy tea almost as much as wine, so living in Taiwan has been a treat.