Qingxin Oolong Tea Varietal

Qingxin Oolong, also known as Zhongzai, Zhengjian, Ruanzhi Oolong, and Chazhong, is a late-growing species and is the main cultivar in Taiwan, with its main distribution areas being Wenshan, Haishan, Zhongli, Nantou and Mingjian.

Tree Characteristics and Appearance

The Qingxin Oolong tree has a slightly small body with many branches and leaves. The leaves are oblong or lanceolate, gradually expanding from the base to 6/10 of the total length. The base is blunt, entire, with small serrations on the upper part, and the apex is slightly blunt and triangular. The top is concave, and the main vein is slightly curved inward. After opening, the leaves are slightly curved downward. Due to the slightly arc-shaped main vein, the leaf body is also mostly arc-shaped.

The mesophyll of the Qingxin Oolong is slightly thick, soft, smooth and elastic, and its leaf color is darker and glossier than other varieties. The color of the main vein and the side veins is light and obvious, and the angle between the main and side veins is 35º~45º, which is the smallest angle of the main side veins among the varieties collected in this place. There are many young buds, and the budding period is late. The tea buds are green purplish, and the flowers have a medium number with five calyxes and six to seven petals. The outer part is small, and the inner three are slightly larger and triangular in shape. The pistils are short and thin, and the stamens are about 250.

Growing Conditions and Characteristics

Qingxin Oolong has weak resistance to diseases and insect pests, and weak drought tolerance. When planted in barren or newly cultivated land, the survival rate is low, and it is easy to suffer from termites and branch blight. However, it is good for making oolong tea and Baozhong tea, especially Baozhong tea.