Taiwan Tea Research and Extension Station Successfully Develops New Tea Variety 'Shan Yun' from Native Species, Transforming 'Formosan Landlocked Salmon of the Tea World' into High-Functional Oolong Tea

The Tea Research and Extension Station (TRES) of the Ministry of Agriculture has successfully developed Taiwan Tea No. 24 'Shan Yun,' a new tea variety, through special tea processing techniques. This native tea species, often referred to as the 'Formosan landlocked salmon of the tea world,' has been transformed into a high-functional Oolong tea. The Ministry of Agriculture announced today that TRES aimed to give a new market position to Taiwan's native tea trees. Through unique processing, the native tea species, recognized for its rarity and conservation status, has been converted into a high-functional GABA Oolong tea. Analysis revealed significantly higher levels of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and theanine compared to commercially available products, injecting strong momentum into Taiwan's healthy functional tea beverage market and the understory economy. TRES Director Su Zong-zhen stated that Taiwan Tea No. 24 holds significant academic and conservation importance. The newly developed GABA high-value processing method further demonstrates the market potential of native Taiwanese species for premium health beverages. Trials have confirmed that the development process for Taiwan Tea No. 24 GABA Oolong tea is mature and capable of stably producing high-quality functional tea that meets standards. TRES noted that Taiwan native mountain tea is an endemic species found only in Taiwan, listed as 'near threatened' due to its rarity. While similar in appearance to common tea varieties, it is a small tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall, currently scattered in mountainous areas of central, southern, and eastern Taiwan at altitudes of 600 to 1500 meters. TRES explained that the development of 'Shan Yun' involved 19 years of selection and breeding. It is the only pure native Taiwanese species in the Taiwan Tea series and possesses strong resistance to diseases, pests, and adverse conditions, making it highly suitable for organic and eco-friendly cultivation. TRES added that unlike typical Oolong teas, 'Shan Yun' has a unique woody mushroom flavor, accompanied by warm sweet notes reminiscent of brown sugar and roasted chestnuts. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis has successfully identified its key characteristic aroma molecules, which can serve as a scientific basis for future tea production quality control. The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture began promoting the 'understory economy' policy in 2019. Following inter-ministerial coordination in December 2021, Taiwan native mountain tea was officially added to the understory economy product list. TRES emphasized that this policy not only protects biodiversity but also positions Taiwan native mountain tea as a crucial link in promoting local economy and environmental conservation.