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In Liugui, Kaohsiung, there exists a secluded tea haven managed by a couple whose lifestyle echoes that of a utopia, evoking the romantic essence of characters Yang Guo and Xiaolongnü from a renowned Chinese novel.
With a deep interest in Taiwan's native tea varieties and upon discovering their tea sessions, I resolved to explore the place. As we slowly ascended towards the mountains, we parked on a gently sloping hillside, revealing a quaint cottage nestled amidst green fields and tea trees, radiating a rustic charm.
The owner, a young farmer, commenced tea-making in Liugui in 2015 and possesses a gentle temperament. Both he and his wife, originally from Liugui, chose to return and oversee the tea plantation at the invitation of her father-in-law.
Embarking on the journey of managing the tea plantation, they transitioned from mere tea picking and outsourcing to tea factories, evolving into a comprehensive process covering harvesting, processing, packaging, and sales. For instance, their commitment to managing the plantation with organic and natural farming methods persisted despite disagreements with their elders. Another noteworthy shift was their departure from urban professions, marking a complete career transformation.
I vividly recall the owner serenely brewing Tree-typed White Tea. Cup after cup, the lingering sweetness, akin to rock sugar, remains indelibly etched in my memory.
White tea authentically encapsulates the true essence of tea.
Their tea room emanates a rustic charm seamlessly blending with nature, creating an exceptionally comfortable ambiance. Unbeknownst to us, we also sampled their tree-typed Yellow Tea, tree-typed Oolong, and Wuyi Oolong.
Harvested only once a year, their tea is rare and truly precious.
What resonated most was the owner's gentle approach to the tea leaves. Even in the rolling process, he handled them delicately, avoiding excessive force. This brought to mind winemakers who embrace natural methods, minimizing harsh processes, such as using gravity to transport and immerse grape juice.
The objective is to allow the plants to naturally express themselves, showcasing the terroir's unique characteristics between the sky and earth.
Respect!
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