Humorous people manufact tea in Chaozhou – how else to explain the strange name "Fragrance of the Ducks Shit "? This is how it is translated from the Chinese "Ya Shi Xiang". According to legend, a tea grower in Wudong gave this name to his tea tree with very fragrant leaves because he was afraid that the tree could be stolen. If so, it can be understood: the tea does have an outstanding flavor. According to the botanical classification, "Ya Shi Xiang" is “Da Wu Ye” tea variety, which maternal trees grow in the extinct volcano Wudong area. Due to the motley soil this area is also called “Ya Shi Tu” or "Land of Duck’s Shit". Perhaps this is why a wild tea trees from here has got such name. Now, some merchants, hesitating cacophonous name, call this sort "Tao Hua Xiang", "Scent of Rice Flowers".
«Ya Shi Xiang» is made of late autumn tea shoots (harvest 2016) collected and processed in the alpine Wudong peak area (Phoenix Mountain, Chaozhou County). During the processing in traditional style it was exposed to deep fermentation and baked at medium heat.
Dry leaf: large, dark purple-brown, flagella twisted. The aroma is intensive, sweet, floral. The infusion is transparent, with a wheaten hue.
The brewed tea has elegant, complex, fruity-floral flavor with hints of berries and spices. The aroma is delicate, delightful. The taste is soft, silky sweet, minty cool, with a tart note of white grapes and pomegranate sourness, transforming into lingering, refreshing aftertaste.
Brewing suggestions. Brew tea with hot boiling water (95-100°C) in a porcelain gaiwan or a teapot for chaozhou oolongs of porous clay. The proportion is 5 g per 100 ml. The first infusion should last for 8-10 seconds. After that just rinse water through teapot or gaiwan, increasing the exposure of each next infusion. You can repeat this brewing method up to 7-8 times.
Excellent ceremonial tea for special occasion. This is exactly what in China is called "precious moisture", "sweet dew" or "nectar of the immortals". You should drink it slowly trying each small sip and inhaling delicate aroma, which will take you beyond the clouds.
