{"product_id":"dong-ding","title":"Dong Ding","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a classic Dong Ding from the spring 2025 harvest, grown in Fenghuang Village at 850 meters elevation. It's made from the Qing Xin cultivar and finished with a light charcoal roast—everything you want in a traditional Taiwanese oolong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout Dong Ding and Fenghuang Village\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDong Ding, which translates to \"Frozen Peak,\" is one of Taiwan's most famous tea-growing areas, located in the central mountains of Nantou County. The name supposedly comes from the slippery, frozen mountaintops that tea farmers had to navigate during winter harvests—they'd have to \"freeze their toes\" to grip the icy slopes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFenghuang Village (鳳凰村), or \"Phoenix Village,\" sits right in the heart of this legendary tea region. The area's combination of elevation, cool temperatures, and mineral-rich soil creates ideal conditions for growing high-quality oolong. At 850 meters, these tea plants benefit from the mountain climate without being so high that growth becomes too slow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTea production here goes back generations, and Dong Ding has built a reputation as one of Taiwan's benchmark oolongs. If you're going to understand Taiwanese tea culture, Dong Ding is essential drinking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Qing Xin Cultivar\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tea is made from Qing Xin Wū Long (青心烏龍), which translates to \"Green Heart Oolong.\" It's one of Taiwan's heritage cultivars and is prized for producing complex, flavorful teas. Qing Xin is known for its natural sweetness, rich body, and ability to develop beautiful roasted notes without losing its character. It's the cultivar that serious Dong Ding producers prefer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpring 2025 Harvest\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpring teas from Taiwan are special. After the winter rest period, the plants produce leaves that are tender, aromatic, and packed with flavor. This spring 2025 harvest captures that freshness while the light roast adds depth and warmth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLight Charcoal Roast\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Dong Ding has been given a light charcoal roast, which is part of what makes traditional Dong Ding so distinctive. The charcoal roasting process is done slowly and carefully—it's not about making the tea taste smoky or heavy. Instead, it rounds out the flavors, adds a gentle toasted sweetness, and gives the tea a warming quality that makes it incredibly satisfying to drink.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe light roast means you still get the natural floral and fruity notes of the Qing Xin cultivar, but with added complexity—think toasted nuts, subtle caramel, and a smooth, creamy texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to Expect\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rolled leaves are a dark jade green with a slight sheen. When brewed, they open up into full leaves with reddish edges from oxidation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe liquor is a beautiful golden amber color. The aroma is inviting—floral notes mixed with toasted grain and a hint of honey. The taste is rich and smooth, with a natural sweetness that builds as you drink. You'll notice layers of flavor: orchid, roasted nuts, a touch of fruit, and that characteristic Dong Ding creaminess. The finish is clean and long-lasting, with a pleasant sweetness that stays in your mouth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a tea that rewards attention but doesn't demand it. It's just as good when you're busy as when you're sitting down to really focus on it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Brew It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse water around 95°C (just off the boil)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStart with about 6 grams per 100ml of water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFirst infusion: 1 minute\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSecond infusion: 30 seconds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThird infusion: 45 seconds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFourth infusion: 1 minute\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou can get 5-6 infusions easily, sometimes more\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe roast makes this tea a bit more forgiving than greener oolongs—it won't turn bitter if you accidentally steep it a bit too long.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho Would Love This Tea\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're into traditional Taiwanese oolongs, this is a must-try. It's also great if you enjoy teas with more body and roasted character but don't want anything too heavy. And if you're new to Dong Ding, this is an excellent introduction—it shows you what the style is all about without being overly roasted or intense.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tea Topia","offers":[{"title":"50g.","offer_id":54924289245569,"sku":null,"price":18.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g.","offer_id":54924289278337,"sku":null,"price":36.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"10g.","offer_id":54924289311105,"sku":null,"price":8.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0257\/7199\/9285\/files\/DOng_ding_oolong.jpg?v=1775393164","url":"https:\/\/www.teatopia.co.uk\/bg\/products\/dong-ding","provider":"Tea Topia","version":"1.0","type":"link"}