At an altitude of over 2,000 metres above sea level, in Li Shan plantations, the cool climate and constant fog create conditions for slow-growth tea leaves. Moderate temperatures, clean mountain air, and mineral-rich soil yield dense, rich raw materials. After harvesting, the leaves undergo a unique anaerobic fermentation process in sealed containers without oxygen access.
At the end of the article, you’ll find a detailed video explaining my tea ceremony and the proper brewing technique for this tea. ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
Under these conditions, a transformation begins, leading to a several-fold increase in γ-aminobutyric acid, a natural neurotransmitter that regulates the nervous system. GABA Amber Li Shan retains the natural softness of high-mountain leaves and delivers a deep, even effect, manifesting as gradual relaxation and improved concentration.
How high-altitude terroir affects the quality of raw materials
The Li Shan region is located in central Taiwan, where the mountains are shrouded in fog for most of the day. It is these conditions that slow down photosynthesis, causing the plant to accumulate more substances responsible for taste and aroma. The leaves grow slowly, the cell walls become denser, the concentration of essential oils and natural sugars increases, and the mineral soil characteristic of high-altitude areas adds stability to the flavour and forms a base that unfolds particularly beautifully after fermentation.
When raw materials are harvested at this altitude, they already possess the qualities that make them suitable for GABA processing. The dense structure of the leaf allows it to withstand prolonged anaerobic fermentation without compromising cell structure. The high natural sugar content creates an environment in which the transformation proceeds more actively, forming a complex aromatic profile with warm, spicy and honey notes.
Anaerobic fermentation and GABA biochemistry
The GABA fermentation process differs from the usual processing of oolongs. After harvesting, the leaves are placed in airtight containers where there is no oxygen. Under these conditions, plant cells switch to anaerobic respiration, which triggers a cascade of biochemical reactions. One of the key transformations is an increase in γ-aminobutyric acid content, which is produced from glutamic acid by enzymes. This process can last from 8 to 12 hours, depending on the container’s temperature and humidity.
GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It regulates the processes of excitation and inhibition in the brain, promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety and improves sleep quality. When the GABA content in tea leaves increases, the drink exhibits a specific effect: a mild calming effect without drowsiness and enhanced concentration. This property makes GABA teas particularly popular among those who work with information, engage in creative activities, or experience regular stress.
What aromas and nuances can be revealed during the brewing process?
The aroma of Amber Li Shan is warm and voluminous, and you can detect:
- honey
- floral nuances
- spicy accents
- the soft moisture of mountain mist
The aroma unfolds gradually during brewing. The first few seconds after pouring hot water reveal a honeyed sweetness, followed by floral notes characteristic of high-altitude Taiwanese oolongs. Spicy accents appear by the third or fourth infusion, adding depth and complexity. The humidity of mountain mist is felt as a sense of freshness, balancing the warm tones and preventing the aroma from becoming heavy or cloying.
A taste that changes from infusion to infusion
The taste unfolds gradually, progressing through several stages. The first infusions give a soft sweetness and light warmth that spreads throughout the body. This initial impression sets the tone for the entire session and shows the balance between the natural sweetness of the high mountain leaf and the depth that comes from anaerobic fermentation. At this stage, the infusion is light, almost airy, but you can already feel the structure that will unfold further.
The middle reveals the infusion’s spice and depth. The third, fourth and fifth infusions are the peak of the tea’s unfolding. Here, all the components inherent in the raw materials and processing come to the fore. The spicy notes become more noticeable, the honey base intensifies, and a slight tartness appears, which does not overwhelm the other flavours but adds contrast. The infusion becomes denser, the amber colour darkens, and the transparency is preserved.
The final infusions become more rounded and delicate. The sixth, seventh and eighth infusions brew longer, the injection becomes lighter but retains its recognisable profile. The spice recedes into the background, the honey sweetness returns, and a slight floral note appears. This conclusion to the session gives a feeling of completeness and leaves a long-lasting aftertaste that lingers in the breath long after the last cup.
Effect on the nervous system and attention: when is the best time to drink it?
Amber Li Shan has a gentle and profound effect. The tea helps restore calm focus, reduces internal tension and creates a state of lasting comfort. This is due to its high GABA content, which acts on central nervous system receptors. The effect begins fifteen to twenty minutes after the first few cups and develops gradually. First, physical tension in the shoulders and neck disappears; then mental anxiety decreases, and clarity of thought emerges.
The tea is suitable for work requiring concentration, evening relaxation, meditation, reading and creative activities, as well as for recovery after an intense day. It helps you stay engaged while maintaining your productivity. At the same time, there is no excessive alertness that can interfere with relaxation or drowsiness that can reduce performance. The balance between relaxation and concentration makes GABA teas unique in the world of tea.
Amber Li Shan is comfortable at any time of the day. In the morning, with a calm start to the day, it helps you gently get into work mode without the sharp stimulating effect characteristic of coffee or black teas. During the day, the tea maintains clear focus and enables you to cope with tasks that require prolonged concentration, and in the evening, it promotes smooth recovery, relieves the tension accumulated during the day, and prepares the nervous system for rest.
GABA promotes relaxation but does not cause severe fatigue, so you can even drink tea before bed. Many people notice that after drinking tea in the evening, it is easier to fall asleep, sleep becomes deeper, and waking up in the morning is more comfortable. This is because GABA helps the nervous system switch from active mode to recovery mode, which is especially important for people with high stress levels or chronic stress.
Brewing technique: step-by-step process
A gaiwan, ceramic or glass is suitable for revealing the character of the tea. Each type of vessel affects the final taste. A gaiwan gives you complete control over the process and lets you regulate extraction time with precision. Ceramic softens the taste and adds roundness. Glass allows you to observe the unfolding of the leaves and the changing colour of the infusion, adding aesthetic pleasure to the process.
Brewing recommendations:
- Use four to eight grams of tea per 100-120 millilitres of water. The amount can be adjusted to achieve the desired infusion intensity.
- The water temperature should be between 90 and 100 degrees Celsius. Too low a temperature will not reveal the full potential of the leaves, while too high a temperature may cause excessive astringency.
- Make the first infusions short – ten to fifteen seconds – as this allows you to appreciate the initial notes and sets the pace for the entire session.
- Gradually increase each subsequent infusion by adding five to ten seconds. By the fifth or sixth infusion, the time can reach thirty to forty seconds.
- The tea can withstand up to eight to ten infusions, retaining its recognisable profile and effect. Do not rush to end the session – the last infusions often give the softest and most pleasant aftertaste.
Give the tea time. It unfolds evenly and harmoniously, with each infusion adding new nuances to the overall picture. Observing this process becomes a meditative practice in itself, helping you to slow down and immerse yourself in the moment.
Who is this tea for and why does it work?
GABA Amber Li Shan is suitable for those who are looking for a drink that can both relax and maintain clarity of thought. It is the choice for people with high intellectual loads, mental workers, creative professionals and anyone who experiences regular stress. The tea helps you recover after intense periods of work, reduces anxiety and improves the quality of your rest, while remaining mild enough for beginners to drink and complex enough to keep experienced connoisseurs interested for many sessions.
