Taiwan - A Brief Introduction

Taiwan, once called "Formosa" or "beautiful island" by Dutch and Portuguese colonists, is a tropical island located in East Asia, with China to the west, Japan to the northeast, and the Phillipines to the South. The geography of Taiwan is fascinating and unique, with about 70% of the island covered with rugged, densely forested mountains. Its current population is estimated at 23.6 million people. Also referred to as "Treasure Island" (寶島 baodao), Taiwan is home to many treasures. Premium oolong tea is one of Taiwan's exquisite treasures.

Taiwan is endowed with the perfect environment for growing tea bushes used in making oolong tea. Its geographical location and marine tropical climate result in temperatures and humidity that nurture the growth of soft, thick, nutrient-dense tea leaves. The mountainous regions have abundant organic substances in its soil and receive gentle sunshine and natural shading (provided by cloud and mists) that help tea leaves develop clean delicate aromas and flavors. Such pristine environments nurture the growth of perfect tea leaves for oolong tea.

Furthermore, Taiwan's artisan tea makers combine traditional skills with modern automation to create premium oolong teas. Tea making in Taiwan began 200 years ago in 1820 when the first tea bush seeds were brought back from China's WuYi mountain and planted in Taiwan's northern regions. By 1866, Taiwan had begun exporting oolong tea to the U.S. and Europe. Since then, the craft of tea making has been passed down through generations, like treasured recipes handed down from father to son. Today the skills of Taiwan's tea artisans are continuously honed by competitions and demanding taste buds of local Taiwanese consumers.

Tea is grown in almost every region of Taiwan, from North to South and from East to West. However the principal tea-growing regions - Nantou and Chiayi counties - are located in central Taiwan and account for 70% of total acreage used in tea farming [Nantou 55%, Chiayi 15%]. The northern regions of Taiwan account for 16% of the total acreage.*

In 2015, annual tea production in Taiwan was estimated at 15,200 tons. Two-thirds were consumed by local Taiwanese consumers. Export volume of Taiwan tea was estimated at 5,800 tons, with China, U.S., and Japan as the main destinations. 

* Council of Agriculture, Statistics and Publications Dec-2015