Alishan is one of Taiwan's most famous mountains not only for its cherry blossoms and mountain trains but because it is the home to Taiwan's high mountain tea. Harvested year round by the hands of these workers; each season producing leaves suitable for different types of drying, roasting, aging, and rolling.
Spring leaves from March to May are best for loose leaf or semi-rolling as it give off a fresh taste of newly picked tea. Summer leaves picked for standard oolong readily available to all as it comes at an affordable price point. Autumn leaves picked September through October are most suitable for semi-rolled and high mountain oolong. This is the season of highest production allowing us to purchase high quality tea at a reasonable price. Lastly we must not forget the Winter leaves as it is the season that produces the lowest quantity but of the highest quality. Winter is the only time when superior high mountain oolong leaves will be harvested. This is because the cold weather makes for longer time of growth concentrating the flavors to produce a richer, creamier, and more aromatic tea when steeped and enjoyed.
Looking down from the top of the tea fields I could not stop myself from standing in awe of the beauty I saw. Mountain sides lined with rows upon rows of tea leaves in capsulated by the mountains beyond.
So when visiting Taiwan on your next trip to Asia be sure to make Alishan a must on your list of places to go. Take your time and enjoy the drive up the mountain side and maybe if you have enough time even book a night at a local homestay and visit one of these tea farms. Although you will need to get up early in the morning you won't be disappointed by the view.
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