Fengru herbal tea is a traditional Penghu herbal infusion brewed from the whole plant of fengru grass, scientifically Glossogyne tenuifolia. The tea is golden and clear, clean-tasting with a gentle sweetness and no bitterness — the cooling drink Penghu locals have grown up with, sometimes called "Penghu herbal tea."
Fengru grass is scientifically Glossogyne tenuifolia, a perennial herb in the Asteraceae family (genus Glossogyne); it is one of Penghu's "Three Treasures" alongside opuntia cactus and aloe vera. The Kaohsiung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station has developed instant fengru tea processing technology and collaborated with the Tea and Beverage Research Station on new steaming-based tea-making techniques.
What is Fengru Herbal Tea
Fengru herbal tea is brewed from the dried whole plant of fengru grass (Penghu's endemic herb; scientific name: Crossostephium chinense), a drought-tolerant perennial in the Asteraceae family. It grows on the rocky outcrops and wastelands of Penghu's various islands, with small leaves and tiny yellow flowers. Due to its highly specific growing environment, Penghu remains the primary production area. The whole plant is washed, sun-dried, and then simmered in water for 30–60 minutes. The resulting tea ranges from golden to amber in color, with a clean, elegant aroma and a sweet, mellow flavor free of bitterness. It tastes even better chilled, and is sometimes called "Penghu herbal tea."
Fengru grass is Penghu's unique signature crop. The Council of Agriculture's agricultural knowledge portal features an introduction to "Penghu's distinctive fengru tea," and the farmers' associations of Husi and Baisha townships both contract-purchase and process the herb into tea bags for sale. In Penghu's traditional understanding, fengru tea clears heat, relieves summer fatigue, and quenches thirst — it is the go-to cooling drink for farmers after a hard day's work in the summer heat and for fishermen returning from sea. Eateries in downtown Magong commonly brew large pots to offer free of charge, and it is a must-sell specialty tea in every souvenir shop. It has a clean herbal flavor, is caffeine-free, and is suitable for all ages. It is a tea that truly belongs to Penghu's land and climate.
How to drink it like a local
Local knowledge
Objective notes (sponsor-free)
- The Council of Agriculture's agricultural knowledge portal features an introduction to "Penghu's distinctive fengru tea"; fengru grass is an endemic drought-tolerant herb of Penghu.
- The farmers' associations of Husi and Baisha townships both contract-purchase fengru grass and process it into tea bags for sale.
- Known as "Penghu herbal tea," it is an everyday island drink used to cool down in summer and cleanse the palate after seafood meals.
Visitor tips
- Fengru grass is not a tea leaf and contains no caffeine — suitable for all ages, including pregnant women and children.
- Quality varies widely among commercially sold tea bags; choose products packaged by a farmers' association or cooperative from the current year's harvest for the best flavor.
- Many Magong eateries provide it free of charge — try it in the restaurant before deciding whether to buy it as a souvenir.
Information compiled from the Penghu County Government Tourism Bureau, township farmers' and fishermen's associations, and large volumes of public reviews; sponsored content has been filtered out. Photos will be replaced with the channel's exclusive footage after Dio's on-site shoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name of fengru grass?
It is Glossogyne tenuifolia, a perennial herb in the Asteraceae family.
Why is it called one of Penghu's "Three Treasures"?
Fengru grass, opuntia cactus, and aloe vera together are known as Penghu's "Three Treasures," all adapted to the islands' dry climate.
Does fengru tea contain caffeine?
No — fengru grass is a herb, not tea leaf, making it suitable for all ages.
Sources
- 澎湖香茹不同生育地族群之變異 — 學術文獻確認風茹草學名為Glossogyne tenuifolia
- 澎湖特有「風茹茶」，你喝過了嗎？ — 農業部農業知識入口網介紹風茹茶加工技術與研發機構