Butterleaf

Butterleaf is a loose leaf Milk Oolong (also known as Jin Xuan or Golden Lily) and is a prized Taiwanese tea famous for its naturally creamy, buttery flavor and silky mouthfeel, achieved without the addition of actual dairy.

Characteristics & Flavor Profile

• Appearance: The dry leaves are typically hand-rolled into tight, dark-green "ball-style" nuggets. When steeped, they slowly unfurl into large, whole leaves.
• Aroma: It features a distinct floral scent often compared to orchids, accompanied by notes of sweet cream, butterscotch, or even hints of pineapple and apricot.
• Taste: Known for a velvety texture and a "dessert-like" quality, its flavor profile includes notes of custard, warm milk, and honeyed sweetness with a smooth finish and very little bitterness.
• Liquor: It brews into a pale yellow or light golden-amber infusion.

Production & Origin

• Cultivar: Butterleaf tea comes from the Jin Xuan (TRES #12) cultivar, a hybrid developed in Taiwan in the 1980s.
• Process: It is a lightly oxidized ("green") oolong. The creamy characteristics are coaxed out through specific processing techniques, including cool-temperature withering and light roasting.
• Authenticity Note: Higher-quality versions are naturally creamy. However, many lower-grade or "flavored" versions are artificially scented with milk flavorings to mimic the effect.

Brewing Recommendations

Butterleaf is highly versatile and is famous for holding its flavor through multiple infusions.

• Water Temperature: Use water heated to roughly 185°F to 205°F (85°C–96°C).
• Steeping Time: Initial steep is usually 2–3 minutes. You can re-steep the same leaves up to 5–7 times, with each infusion revealing new floral or vegetal nuances.
• Vessel: While any infuser works, a traditional Yixing teapot or Gaiwan is often recommended by enthusiasts to capture the tea's full aromatic profile.

Health Benefits

Like other oolongs, it contains polyphenols, antioxidants, and minerals (calcium, magnesium) that may support:

• Metabolism and weight management.
• Mental alertness and stress relief.
• Heart health and digestion.