Oolong tea · Fujian, China
Ben Shan
Anxi oolong similar to Tie Guan Yin but with peachier notes and lighter character.
How to brew
| Leaf | Water | Temperature | Time | Infusions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western | 4 g | 250 ml | 90°C / 195°F | 2 min | 3 |
| Gong Fu | 7 g | 100 ml | 90°C / 195°F | 20 s + | 7 |
About this tea
Ben Shan (Original Mountain) is one of Anxi's four famous oolong cultivars, often considered Tie Guan Yin's sister tea due to their similar appearance and processing. Discovered growing wild on Anxi's mountains in the 1870s, Ben Shan was initially sold as Tie Guan Yin due to their resemblance. However, experienced drinkers recognized its distinct peach-forward character and lighter body. Today, it offers excellent value for those seeking Anxi oolong character at accessible prices.
Grown throughout Anxi County, Ben Shan thrives in similar conditions to Tie Guan Yin but proves more resilient and productive, making it popular with farmers. The cultivar naturally produces more fruity esters and fewer floral compounds, creating its characteristic peachy profile. Modern processing typically involves medium oxidation (30-40%) and light roasting to emphasize fruit notes. While it lacks Tie Guan Yin's complexity and longevity through infusions, Ben Shan offers immediate approachability and consistent quality.
The flavor profile is fruit-forward and approachable: dominant peach and apricot notes provide immediate appeal, supported by light floral undertones of orchid and jasmine. The texture is smooth and light to medium-bodied, without the creamy thickness of premium Tie Guan Yin. Natural sweetness makes it instantly likeable, with minimal astringency. Later infusions reveal subtle vegetal notes. While it doesn't offer Tie Guan Yin's evolving complexity, Ben Shan provides straightforward, delicious flavor that satisfies without demanding attention.
Brewing recommendations: Use 1 teaspoon (4g) per 250ml cup with water at 90°C (195°F), steeping for 2 minutes. More forgiving than Tie Guan Yin regarding temperature and time. For gongfu style, use 7g per 100ml, steeping 30-45 seconds initially. Can yield 4-5 pleasant infusions. Works well in various vessels.
Perfect for daily drinking when you want quality without ceremony. Popular in Chinese restaurants as a reliable crowd-pleaser. Pairs well with dim sum, fruit desserts, almond cookies, and afternoon snacks. The peachy character makes it particularly good with stone fruit desserts. Also excellent iced for summer refreshment. This is the everyday hero of Anxi oolongs - reliable, affordable, and consistently satisfying.
Caffeine, in context
Per 250 ml cup, brewed as directed.
Flavor profile
- floral
- peachy
- smooth
- sweet
Health benefits
- antioxidants
- digestion
- weight management
- focus
Pairs wonderfully with
- dim sum
- peaches
- almond cookies
- afternoon break
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Frequently asked questions
Can you re-steep Ben Shan?
Yes — Ben Shan gives 7 good infusions. Start at 20 seconds and add a little time to each round.
How much caffeine is in Ben Shan?
39 mg per 250 ml cup — Medium caffeine.
What water temperature does Ben Shan need?
90°C / 195°F. Hotter water pulls out bitterness; cooler water under-extracts the leaf.
Teafinity times every infusion for you
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