Do you feel like you’re missing out on the full Shui Jin Gui experience because of subpar tea leaves and inadequate tea ware?

Well, today is your lucky day.

I’m going to talk about making Shui Jin Gui tea with perfection.

At the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and tools you need to brew a cup that’ll leave you craving for more.

Table of Contents Show

What Is Shui Jin Gui Tea?

Shui Jin Gui tea is a unique and vibrant variety of oolong tea.

This tea hails from the stunning Wuyi Mountain region in China.

Shui Jin Gui is one of the famous Four Wuyi Rock Teas, which include Da Hong Pao, Tie Luo Han, and Bai Ji Guan.

It’s known for its captivating blend of flavors, which include mineral-rich notes and a subtle touch of flowers.

Now, you might be wondering about its name. “Shui Jin Gui” translates to “Golden Water Turtle.”

Legend has it that the tea leaves used to make this tea resemble the shape of a turtle’s head.

A fun detail to remember when sipping on this remarkable tea!

As for where it’s grown, you’ll find Shui Jin Gui tea thriving in the rocky terrain of Wuyi Mountain.

The unique mineral content in the soil here gives the tea its distinctive taste.

History

Once upon a time in Wuyishan, there were these monks.

They had some special tea bushes that they thought were pure gold in leaf form.

But one day, a storm played a prank and washed some of these tea bushes down the slopes onto a farmer’s land.

Now, these tea bushes looked like a turtle swimming in the water, all covered in algae.

So, they got the name “Water Turtle” or Shui Jin Gui.

Monks being monks, they wanted their tea bushes back.

But the farmer said, “Nope, they’re mine now!” And guess what?

The local court agreed with the farmer, saying it was just nature doing its thing.

How to Make Shui Jin Gui Oolong Tea

Here’s what you’ll need to make tea for 1 person:

Ingredients

Shui Jin Gui Oolong Tea Leaves: 1 tablespoon
Water: 8 ounces (about 240 ml)

Tools

Tea Infuser or Teapot
Boiling Pot
Teacup

Instructions

Boil the Water: Put the water on the stove and let it come to a rolling boil (at 100ºC or 212ºF). No need to make it more complicated than that!
Preheat the Teapot: If you’re using a teapot, pour a bit of the boiling water into it, swish it around, and then pour it out. This warms up the teapot for your tea.
Measure the Tea Leaves: Grab your tablespoon and scoop out 1 tablespoon of those lovely Shui Jin Gui tea leaves.
Add the Tea Leaves: Put those tea leaves right into your infuser or teapot.
Pour in the Hot Water: Now, carefully pour your boiling water over the tea leaves. No need to play with the temperature; hot water straight from the boil works wonders.
Steep, Don’t Rush: Pop on the lid if you’re using a teapot, and let the tea steep for about 3-5 minutes for first infusion.
Pour and Enjoy: Once your tea has steeped, pour it into your teacup. Don’t forget to take in that delightful aroma!
Sip Slowly: Now, savor your Shui Jin Gui Oolong tea. Take small sips and enjoy the complex flavors. No need to rush through this!

Shui Jin Gui Tea Hot or Cold

Hot or cold, Shui Jin Gui tea is a personal preference.

If you’re looking for something cozy and soothing, go for a hot cup.

It’s perfect for those chilly days or when you want a comforting sip.

On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for a refreshing twist, try it cold.

Iced Shui Jin Gui tea can be incredibly revitalizing, especially on a sunny day.

Just brew it up, let it cool, add some ice, and you’re good to go.

How to Make Cold Brew Shui Jin Gui Tea

Here’s how you can cold brew Shui Jin Gui Oolong like any other tea:

Ingredients for 4 Servings

4-5 teaspoons Shui Jin Gui tea leaves
4 cups cold, filtered water

Tools

A glass or plastic pitcher with a lid
A fine mesh strainer or tea infuser
A stirring spoon

Instructions

Measure 4-5 teaspoons of Shui Jin Gui tea leaves and place them in the pitcher.
Optionally, add a touch of lemon or honey for flavor.
Pour 4 cups of cold, filtered water into the pitcher, ensuring the tea leaves are fully covered. Stir gently.
Cover the pitcher with the lid and refrigerate. Steep for 6-8 hours or overnight for a stronger brew.
To serve, optionally add ice cubes to your glass. Strain the tea into the glass using a fine mesh strainer or tea infuser.
Enjoy your homemade Cold Brew Shui Jin Gui Tea!

Shui Jin Gui Tea Food Pairing

Here are some food pairing ideas to elevate your experience:

-> Cheese Platter: Create a simple cheese platter with mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese.

Their creamy profiles complement the tea’s characteristics.

-> Fresh Fruits: I love pairing Shui Jin Gui tea with fresh fruits like apples, pears, or peaches.

-> Nuts and Seeds: Grab a handful of almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds.

-> Light Pastries: Delicate pastries like shortbread cookies or almond biscuits are a delightful match.

-> Seafood: If you’re into savory pairings, try some steamed or grilled seafood.

Shrimp or light fish dishes work nicely with Shui Jin Gui’s subtle floral hints.

When to Drink Shui Jin Gui Tea

So, when should you enjoy your cup of Shui Jin Gui tea? Well, it’s quite flexible, really.

I find that it’s perfect for a refreshing start to my day.

A morning cup can boost my energy without the jitters of coffee as oolong tea has 30-70 mg caffeine per 8 oz. cup.

Shui Jin Gui tea is also great for winding down in the evening.

It has a soothing quality that helps me relax after a long day.

(You should avoid drinking it at night or in the evening if you are sensitive to caffeine.)

And if you’re feeling adventurous, try it with a light lunch.

It can complement the flavors of your meal beautifully.

Related Tea Recipes

Shui Jin Gui Tea Recipe

Recipe by Tania FaysalCourse: DrinksCuisine: Chinese

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

kcal

Total time

minutes

Master the art of brewing Shui Jin Gui Tea, the authentic way for a soul-soothing experience, best enjoyed in solitude or with a friend.

Ingredients

5 grams of Shui Jin Gui Tea
400 ml of filtered water

Directions

Boil the Water: Start by bringing the filtered water to a boil. Aim for a temperature between 195-212°F (90-100°C), perfect for steeping Shui Jin Gui Tea.
Prepare the Tea: Next, add 5 grams of Shui Jin Gui Tea to your teapot (preheat your teapot before this step by swirling hot water in it.)
Steep the Tea: Pour the hot water into the teapot and steep the tea for 3-4 minutes.
Enjoy: Finally, strain the tea into cups. Sip slowly, and let the taste notes of Shui Jin Gui unfold.

Recipe Video

Notes

You can make multiple infusions. 5 g Shui Jin Gui tea leaves are best for 4-5 infusions.

Have questions?

Let’s connect below! ↓

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does Shui Jin Gui tea taste like?

Shui Jin Gui tea has a bold and rich flavor with earthy and mineral notes, along with a hint of floral sweetness.

Does Shui Jin Gui tea have caffeine?

Yes, Shui Jin Gui tea contains caffeine, but the caffeine content can vary depending on how you brew it. Generally, it has moderate caffeine levels (30-70 mg), similar to other oolong teas.

Is Shui Jin Gui a real tea?

Shui Jin Gui is indeed a real and authentic oolong tea from Camellia sinensis tea plant. It’s known for its distinct characteristics and is a prized variety among tea connoisseurs.