Is camellia oil really bitter? Why is camellia oil called "bitter camellia oil" in Taiwan?
- Cici Li
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
We often get asked by friends from Taiwan or overseas: "Is your camellia oil the same as the 'bitter camellia oil' that people in Taiwan often talk about? Does it taste bitter?"
This is a very interesting misunderstanding!
Today, let's talk about the stories behind the names of "camellia oil" in different regions, and why this oil, which is called "bitter tea," is not bitter at all, but is actually the sweetest and most gentle golden oil in Eastern cuisine.
01. Misunderstanding about the name: Why is it called "bitter tea oil"?
In Taiwan and the Minnan region of China, the tea tree (Camellia oleifera) is commonly referred to as the "bitter tea tree," and the oil extracted from it is naturally called "bitter tea oil."
But this "bitterness" actually stems from two historical and botanical reasons:
The "bitterness" of the camellia tree: In ancient times, people were accustomed to picking the tender leaves of ordinary tea plants to brew and drink. However, the leaves of the camellia tree have a bitter taste and cannot be made into tea for daily consumption; in addition, before the camellia seeds are pressed for oil, chewing them directly results in a slightly bitter taste due to the natural tea saponins. In order to distinguish it from the "sweet tea/tea" that people drank daily, the ancients commonly referred to it as "bitter tea tree".
Folk customs and pronunciation in Minnan dialect: In Minnan dialect and local Taiwanese languages, "bitter tea" has become a synonym for camellia oil tree. This name has been passed down from generation to generation and has been used ever since.
The truth is: real "bitter tea oil" is essentially edible camellia oil (Camellia Oil) pressed from large camellia seeds . Through modern or traditional oil pressing processes, the tea saponins in the oil have been separated. High-quality bitter tea oil has no bitter taste at all, but instead has a faint nutty and grassy aroma .
02. A single word difference, be careful not to choose the wrong one of these three types of "tea oil"!
As we've shared in previous articles, oils with "tea" in their names can be confusing. When purchasing, be sure to identify these three differences:
Edible camellia oil (known as "bitter tea oil" in Taiwan): extracted from the seeds of the camellia tree (Camellia oleifera). Rich in 80% monounsaturated oleic acid and squalene, it is a true "Oriental olive oil," exclusively for high-end consumption and health purposes.
Camellia Seed Oil for Skincare: Derived from the seeds of ornamental camellias (such as the Japanese camellia, Camellia japonica), it is mostly used in high-end skincare products and hair oils, and is generally not used in daily cooking.
Tea seed oil: It is extracted from the seeds left after harvesting the common tea tree (Camellia sinensis), which is used to make tea. The yield is relatively low, and it is from a different plant species than the edible oil-producing tea tree.
03. Helufang Camellia Oil: Clear and slightly sweet, retaining its original flavor.
Now that we know the secret to why "bitter tea oil" isn't bitter, choosing a high-quality oil becomes especially important.
At Helufang , we insist on using wild camellia seeds from deep mountains and strictly press them using modern low-temperature cold pressing technology .
Because it is not subjected to high-temperature baking or any chemical deodorization processing, Helufang Camellia Oil presents a clear, golden, natural color. Upon tasting, it has no bitterness whatsoever; instead, it carries the subtle sweetness and purity of natural wild camellia seeds. Whether enjoyed as a spoonful on an empty stomach in the morning to nourish the digestive system, or used in light salads, stir-fries, or other cooking methods, it is the safest and healthiest choice for the whole family.
Next time you hear "bitter tea oil," don't be scared by its name! It is the most gentle and sweet "golden oil" that nature has given us.
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