Quick Answer
Jin Xuan is an oolong cultivar bred in Taiwan, TTES No. 12, crossed from Tainung No. 8 and Ying Zhi Hong Xin and named in 1981. It is known for a natural, gentle milky aroma produced by aroma compounds such as lactones during oolong processing; no milk is added. Compared with floral Four Seasons, Jin Xuan tastes rounder and creamier, ideal for Jin Xuan milk tea and lattes.
Origin of Jin Xuan
Jin Xuan’s breeding code was 2027. After years of selection it was named TTES No. 12 in 1981; Tsui Yu (TTES No. 13) was named at the same time. High yields and good adaptability made Jin Xuan one of the main cultivars in Taiwan’s low and mid-elevation tea areas.
Why does Jin Xuan smell milky?
The cultivar carries compounds that develop a milky aroma under partial-oxidation oolong processing, a varietal aroma. If a tea smells strongly like milk candy, it may be flavored; ask for test reports and spec sheets when buying.
Jin Xuan vs Four Seasons vs light oolong
| Jin Xuan | Four Seasons | Light oolong (Qing Xin) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cultivar | TTES No. 12 | Natural hybrid | Qing Xin Oolong |
| Aroma | Soft milky, osmanthus | Bright floral | Delicate, clean |
| Taste | Round, low bitterness | Light, slightly sweet | Fine |
| Bubble tea use | Jin Xuan tea, lattes, milk tea | Qing tea, fruit tea base | Premium single-origin tea |
Using Jin Xuan in bubble tea
- Straight tea: unsweetened or low sugar shows the milky aroma best.
- Jin Xuan latte: strong tea with fresh milk; creamy without creamer.
- Jin Xuan milk tea: lighter than black milk tea; pairs with pearls or crystal boba.
- Fruit tea: works with peach, lychee and other gentle fruits.
How Tang Sugar can help
Tang Sugar supplies Taiwanese Jin Xuan oolong as loose leaf and commercial tea bags, plus Four Seasons, with samples for side-by-side tasting.
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FAQ
What kind of tea is Jin Xuan?
A Taiwanese oolong cultivar, TTES No. 12, a partly oxidized qing tea known for a natural milky aroma.
Does Jin Xuan tea contain milk?
No. The milky aroma comes from the cultivar and processing; the leaves contain no milk.
Jin Xuan or Four Seasons for milk tea?
Jin Xuan is rounder and creamy, so it pairs well with milk; Four Seasons is more floral and usually used for qing tea and fruit tea.
What is Jin Xuan called in English?
Jin Xuan oolong, also known as milk oolong.
Related Reading
What Is Qing Tea (Green Oolong)? Oolong vs Green Tea, and How Four Seasons and Jin Xuan Fit In
What Is Four Seasons Spring Tea (Si Ji Chun)? Green Tea or Oolong? Origin and Bubble Tea Uses
A History of Taiwanese Tea: From Formosa Oolong and Sun Moon Lake Black Tea to Bubble TeaAlso see: Jin Xuan oolong (product)
