Baozhong vs Cui Yu

Baozhong

Baozhong is Taiwan's lightest oolong, made from long, lightly oxidized leaves that are strip-shaped rather than rolled into balls. The cup is delicate and fresh: lilac and orchid florals, a soft vegetal edge, and a clean, sweet finish with very little roast. It brews quickly and is often enjoyed in tall glasses, where the unfurling leaves put on a quiet show.

Cui Yu

Cui Yu (TE #13) is a Taiwanese cultivar bred for a fresh, grassy-green character that sits between a green tea and a light oolong. The cup is lively and aromatic: sweet pea, fresh herbs, and a soft floral edge over a clean, juicy body. It is slightly brighter and more vegetal than Jin Xuan, with a crisp finish that makes it refreshing in warmer weather.

Baozhong

Water temperature

90–95°C

Leaf to water

3g / 250ml

Steep time

1–2 min

Re-steep

3–5 times

Cui Yu

Water temperature

90–95°C

Leaf to water

3g / 250ml

Steep time

1–2 min

Re-steep

3–6 times

Baozhong

Medium caffeine — roughly 20–40 mg per brewed serving

A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.

Cui Yu

Medium caffeine — roughly 20–40 mg per brewed serving

A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.

Baozhong

Taiwan · New Taipei (Wenshan)

Baozhong is traditionally associated with the Wenshan district south of Taipei, where strip-style oolong has a long history.

Cui Yu

Taiwan · Various

Cui Yu was released by Taiwan's tea research station shortly after Jin Xuan and is now grown island-wide.