Black tea,the specialty of Sun Moon Lake,and its origins can be traced back to the Japanese colonial period. During this time, the Japanese capitalized on Taiwan's exceptional natural environment to develop cash crops that could meet domestic demand and expand export markets. After experimenting with the cultivation of Assam black tea in various locations, they discovered that the region's altitude of 700–800 meters, warm and humid climate, and fertile soil closely resembled the natural conditions of Assam, India. This resulted in the production of high-quality black tea, widely praised for its excellence.
Over time, the Assam tea plants were gradually refined, leading to the successful development of several premium tea varieties, including Taiwan Tea No. 18, known as "Ruby", and Taiwan Tea No. 21, known as "Honyun". Each variety is celebrated for its unique color, aroma, and flavor, offering tea enthusiasts a delightful experience worth savoring.
