From a single tea leaf, a cup of bubble tea and a bowl of douhua to the lights of the night market — sail six stops along Taiwan's coast to meet its flavors and people, and see how a Taiwanese food company carries them to the world.
Along Taiwan's coastline — setting off from the tea hills and finally sailing from the harbor to the world.
Brand Philosophy
Tang Sugar Brand Philosophy: Taiwanese Food and Taiwanese Service, Bringing the Flavors of Taiwan to the World
From the Formosa Oolong that sailed to New York in 1869 to bubble tea loved around the globe, Taiwan has long been sending great flavors to the world. Tang Sugar (Caitang International) is a Taiwanese company proud of the food Taiwanese people make and the service they provide. With consistent ingredient quality, clear partnership terms and verifiable supply capability, we…
It introduces Taiwan's tea, bubble tea, night-market food, fruit and sugar, everyday life and Made in Taiwan, and shows how Tang Sugar brings these flavors and Taiwanese service to partners around the world.
How is Taiwan Stories different from the blog?
Taiwan Stories covers culture, origins and Taiwan through foreign eyes; the blog covers drink recipes, ingredient dosage and sourcing. The two link to each other, so you can go from a story to a recipe.
The Story of Sun Moon Lake Black Tea: Assam Arrives in the 1920s, the 1936 Yuchi Black Tea Research Branch, and Taiwan Tea No. 18 Ruby
Key answer
Sun Moon Lake black tea comes from the Yuchi area of Nantou. In the mid-1920s, the Japanese introduced Assam large-leaf tea from India, and because Yuchi’s elevation and climate resemble Assam’s, it grew well. The Yuchi Black Tea Research Branch was founded in 1936, where Arai Kokichiro, known as the “father of Taiwanese black tea”, bred new cultivars; at its peak Yuchi black tea made up about 90% of Taiwan’s black tea exports. The industry declined after the war, then revived through joint efforts after the 1999 Jiji earthquake, and Taiwan Tea No. 18 “Ruby”, named the same year, became the emblem of Sun Moon Lake black tea. Tang Sugar supplies Ruby, Assam and other commercial black teas.
Black tea hills by the lake
Sun Moon Lake is one of Taiwan’s most famous lakes, and Yuchi Township beside it is ringed by mountains, misty and humid. The setting is much like Assam in India, which made it the home of Taiwanese black tea. Visitors to Sun Moon Lake today come for the views and leave with a box of Sun Moon Lake black tea (further reading: Taiwanese tea culture).
A history of Sun Moon Lake black tea
Period
Event
Mid-1920s
Assam large-leaf tea introduced from India and successfully planted in Yuchi
1936
Yuchi Black Tea Research Branch of the Government-General’s Central Research Institute founded
1938–1939
Peak years: Yuchi black tea makes up about 90% of Taiwan’s black tea exports
Postwar
The branch becomes the Yuchi Branch of the Tea Research and Extension Station
1999
Black tea industry revived after the Jiji earthquake; Taiwan Tea No. 18 Ruby officially named
Arai Kokichiro (1904–1946) was a key figure at the Yuchi branch: he introduced Assam cultivars and collected Taiwan’s wild mountain tea for breeding, continuing his research through the war, and is remembered as the “father of Taiwanese black tea” (sources differ slightly on the years of introduction and his appointment).
Ruby, Hongyun and Assam
Taiwan Tea No. 18 Ruby: bred from Burmese Assam large-leaf tea and Taiwanese wild mountain tea, named in 1999, with notes of cinnamon and mint (further reading: Taiwan Tea No. 18 Ruby black tea).
Assam: a large-leaf variety introduced in the Japanese era with a rich, full liquor — the classic base for milk tea (further reading: what is Assam black tea?).
Taiwan Tea No. 21 Hongyun: another black tea cultivar bred by the research station, with floral and fruity notes.
Tang Sugar: taking Sun Moon Lake’s black tea aroma overseas
From a single Assam seedling to Taiwan’s own Ruby, Sun Moon Lake black tea is a source of pride for Taiwanese tea research. Caitang International Co., Ltd. (brand name Tang Sugar) brings Taiwanese black tea to drink shops overseas:
Ruby black tea: for Ruby fresh milk tea and Ruby lemon tea.
This article belongs to Stop 1, Taiwanese Tea, of the Taiwan Stories series. Series opener: Tang Sugar brand philosophy.
FAQ
Where is Sun Moon Lake black tea grown?
Mainly around Yuchi Township in Nantou County; “Sun Moon Lake Black Tea” holds a certification mark of origin.
When did Sun Moon Lake black tea begin?
In the mid-1920s the Japanese introduced Assam large-leaf tea and planted it successfully in Yuchi; the Yuchi Black Tea Research Branch was founded in 1936.
Who is the father of Taiwanese black tea?
Arai Kokichiro, who introduced Assam cultivars and bred Taiwanese black tea at the Yuchi Black Tea Research Branch.
How do Ruby and Assam differ?
Ruby is Taiwan-bred Taiwan Tea No. 18, with cinnamon and mint notes; Assam is an introduced large-leaf variety with a rich liquor, ideal for milk tea.
Is Sun Moon Lake black tea good for milk tea?
Yes. Assam’s rich liquor holds up well to milk; Ruby’s distinctive aroma suits fresh milk tea or straight black tea.
