We met Chen family at a tea expo in 2022. They are based in Nantou and have been making tea for five generations. Their father is dedicated to the Dao religion / philosophy and applies his understanding to tea. An essential part of it is Wu Wei (無為) which the family translates into their wild tea garden: Even during months of drought no water is given. Harsh conditions lead to slower growth but to more richness as well. The reward is a fine and complex smell / flavor paired with a smooth and thick texture. This natural selection ensures that only the strongest plants survive. The ones that survive and thrive will become the source for the family's next challenge: Breaking with traditional tea making and creating new flavors. This Ruby cultivar (no. 18), for instance, is usually processed into black tea due to its bitterness and astringency. By avoiding the release of this intensity, Chen family managed to create a medium oxidized oolong tea that delivers a light grassiness, fine notes of mint and honey sweetness.
