Premium Duckshit Dancong Oolong Tea (Spring 2025 Crop)

Origin and Cultivar History

Hailing from the region of Chaozhou, Guangdong, Duckshit Oolong, is a distinctive aroma type within the Fenghuang Dancong tea family. Its peculiar name stems from being cultivated in "duckshit soil" (yellow loamy soil), with leaves resembling the foot of a duck. Originally, the mother tree of Duckshit Oolong grew in the village of Pingkengtou, Fengxi, Chao'an District, Chaozhou, at an altitude of 900 meters. It was transplanted from Li Ziping Village in the Wudong Mountains of Chaozhou in the 1920s. The soil of its new habitat was locally known as "duckshit soil," rich in mineral content. To protect the tea from theft, farmers humorously dubbed it "Duckshit Oolong," a name that stuck despite its later renaming as "Silver Flower Fragrance." Over the years, Duckshit Oolong has gained widespread popularity and is now extensively utilized in the tea beverage industry.

The tea plants cultivated for creation of our DS Oolong are certified Chinese domestic organic, with USDA organic certification underway. All cultivation and cultural management practices are at the standard of USDA organic.

Traditional Processing Steps of Duckshit Oolong Tea

Duckshit Oolong, a semi-fermented oolong tea, undergoes traditional Oolong Tea processing steps; 1 bud/4 leaf plucking, solar withering, meticulous bruising, fixing, rolling, then drying/baking. The result is fine, tightly curled strips with a glossy, dark brown hue. The tea boasts a rich and enduring floral aroma, coupled with a robust and pronounced sweet aftertaste. Notably, Duckshit Oolong is known for its exceptional durability, capable of being steeped more than ten times without compromising its quality.

For a DEEP DIVE on Dancong Oolong Tea processing, see our Oolong Tea Processing: Crop to Cup video

Quality Attributes

- Leaf Appearance: Fine, tightly curled strips with a glossy, dark brown hue.

- Aroma: Exudes a floral fragrance that is boldly sweet, like honeysuckle, with smooth milky/creamy undertones (no notes of sh*t, I promise).

- Taste: Delivers a smooth and mellow initial taste, followed by a slightly bitter yet aromatic flavor, culminating in a lingering sweet aftertaste.

- Soup/Liquor Color: Radiates a bright, golden-orange hue, reflecting its purity and freshness.

For a refresher on tea quality assessment, see Chapter 4 of the Masterclass on Tea

How Best to Prepare Duckshit Oolong

For the most authentic experience, we recommend employing the traditional Chaozhou gongfu tea method:

- Teaware: Opt for white porcelain gaiwan, clay teapot (yixing), or glassware for aesthetic and practical purposes.

- Leaf Quantity: Use approximately 7-8 grams of tea leaves for a 150ml gaiwan, adjusting according to personal taste preferences.

- Water: Preferably use natural mineral water for optimal flavor extraction.

- Water Temperature: Heat water to 95 degrees Celsius, maintaining a near-rolling boil or keeping it in a warm state.

- Steeping Time: Start with a quick rinse to awaken the leaves, then steep for 1-10 infusions, each lasting 0-20 seconds.

See this video for a 5 min tutorial on preparing tea in the Chaozhou Gongfu Tea Style.

Or, for a refresher on tea infusion in general, see Chapter 5 of the Masterclass on Tea

Food Pairings

The complex flavor profile of Duckshit Oolong pairs exceptionally well with various culinary delights. Here are a few suggested food pairings:

- Light Pastries: Delicate pastries such as almond biscuits or buttery shortbread complement the tea's floral aroma and sweet undertones.

- Savory Dim Sum: Enjoy Duckshit Oolong alongside savory dim sum selections like shrimp dumplings or steamed buns for a balanced dining experience.

- Creamy Desserts: Indulge in creamy desserts like custard tarts or panna cotta, enhancing the tea's milkiness and sweet aftertaste.

Duckshit Oolong, despite its unconventional name, stands as a testament to the rich heritage and exquisite craftsmanship of Fenghuang Dancong teas. Its distinctive aroma, coupled with its enduring popularity, continues to captivate tea enthusiasts worldwide, making it a cherished gem in the realm of Chinese tea culture.