A visit to a tea plantation in Thailand

Every now and then we have a chance to experience different varieties of tea. While on a trip to Mae Sai, the Thai Burmese border, we stopped off at the Choui Fong Tea Plantation in Chiang Rai.

The Tea Plantation

The tea plantation is known for its high-quality oolong blends, winning the Oolong Tea Gold Prize from the World Green Tea Association in 2009.

In addition to oolong, the tea farm produces green tea, jasmine tea, and green tea powder. The tea leaves are hand-picked and processed on site.

The green teas are processed using the Chinese method, pan-frying to stop oxidation rather than steaming.

The green tea powder is best for baking, cooking, and mixing in drinks. It is not made from tencha leaves or harvested in the same way as matcha.

Delicious Oolong Tea

At the top of the plantation, there is a beautiful tea house that proudly serves all of their teas and is an excellent place to take photos.

We ordered their award-winning Jin Xuan Oolong Tea, and it was so delicious that we ended up buying a bag to take home!

Brewing instructions

The brewing instructions of the Choui Fong teas are similar to most Chinese teas.

1. Put about 2 tablespoons of loose tea into a tea pot.
2. Slowly pour hot water over the tea leaves, and then discard the water (this is to rinse the leaves).
3. Again, slowly pour hot water over the tea leaves and steep for about 1 minute.
4. Pour the tea into a glass. Enjoy! The same tea leaves can be brewed up to 5 times.

Location

The tea plantation is located in northern Thailand about 15 miles north of Chiang Rai (150 miles north of Chiang Mai). Visiting hours are from 8:30 am – 5:30 pm everyday.

They welcome inquiries for wholesale and retail. See Choui Fong’s website.