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AMAZING-GREEN-TEA NEWSLETTER:
Solving Problems Every Tea Drinker Faces

15 December 2010 Issue #38:

IN THIS ISSUE:

>> Fragrant Oolong Tea Autumn Harvest Arrive!

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In the last issue, we discuss diversifying your tea intake according to the season. In this issue, we'll explore how seasonality affects tea production. In particular, you may find it useful to know that:

- Green teas harvested early spring have the highest level of theanine, which makes them sweet and soothing.

- Black teas harvested in summer have the highest level of astringent tasting antioxidants, which when fully oxidized creates the mellow taste and floral aroma.

- Oolong teas harvested in autumn have the highest level of aromatic oils, which explains why they are the most intensely fragrant.

Fragrant versus Roasted
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Now, there are two types of oolong teas: fragrant and roasted. In the last issue, we touched briefly on Wuyi Oolongs, representing the best of roasted oolongs.

In this issue, we'll go on to Iron Goddess tea, representing the best of fragrant oolongs. The following explains why over the years, they have evolved to become the most popular and cutting edge of Chinese oolong teas.

Widespread Appeal
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This may seem counter-intuitive, but I think it is true.

People living in cold climate (northern hemisphere) prefer cooling teas (white tea, green tea, fragrant oolongs), while people living in warm climate (tropical, southern hemisphere) prefer warming teas (roasted oolongs).

What this means is that if you live in USA, Europe or China, you would prefer teas which are less oxidized i.e. white tea, green tea and fragrant oolongs, especially during the warmer seasons.

Fragrant oolongs is only 10% to 30% oxidized. They combine the best of green tea (high antioxidants, light/refreshing taste) and oolong (stronger body, heavenly aroma).

Health Benefits
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Green tea contains very high level of antioxidants because they are unoxidized. The same is true for Iron Goddess oolong teas.

They have been shown to have significant health benefits for those looking for weight loss, heart protection, and those suffering from skin disorders, diabetes, high blood pressure.

This is hardly surprising, because the chemical composition is very similar to green tea. Also, when you buy from Shen's tea garden, each 8-gram packet has been vacuum packed. They will keep fresh for 2 years.

Guinness Record
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For these reasons, Iron Goddess is highly sought after in China. They are currently the most expensive tea in Guinness Record.

Value for Money
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Renown for their stamina, the Iron Goddess tea can be re-steeped many times while retaining its flavors. Generally, you should expect the following:

- AA grade lasts 3 infusions
- AAA grade lasts 5 infusions

Many Flavors
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The varieties make fascinating sampling. There are so many varieties, and a good place to start is the Mixed 5-in-1 Sampler. And if you are an experienced drinker, go for the King 5-in-1 Sampler.

Also, the top grades, on the cutting edge, are constantly evolving. You will find this year's King grades slightly different from last year's, while maintaining the same level of exquisiteness and purity you would expect of the King grades.

Iron Goddess King Tea (Tieguanyin Wang) - Best of Fragrant Oolong