Oolong tea, also known as Wulong tea, is a traditional Chinese tea variety situated between green and black tea. It is characterized by a semi-fermented processing, which gives it unique properties and a distinctive taste.
Here are some criteria or special features of Oolong tea:
Oxidation: In contrast to green tea, which is only minimally oxidized, and black tea, which is fully oxidized, oolong tea undergoes a partial oxidation process. This characteristic bestows the tea with a wide range of flavors, colors, and taste profiles, which can vary from light and fresh to dark and rich.
Diversity: The flavor profiles of Oolong teas can vary greatly depending on the specific variety and harvest. Some varieties have a fruity, sweet taste, while others are more earthy, mineral, and woody. This diversity makes Oolong tea particularly interesting for enthusiasts.
Production process: The production of Oolong tea is artful and very complex. It involves wilting the tea leaves under the sun, a gentle "shaking" to start oxidation, and stopping the oxidation process at a carefully chosen moment. Then, the tea leaves are rolled and shaped depending on the variety.
Health aspect: Oolong tea contains many antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. According to a variety of studies, it is associated with various health benefits, including promoting metabolism, aiding in weight loss, improving heart health, and reducing the risk for some diseases.
Caffeine content: The caffeine content in Oolong tea can vary but is generally between that of green and black tea. This makes it a good choice for those tea lovers looking for a moderate caffeine boost.
Re-infusion: Oolong tea leaves can be infused multiple times, with each infusion releasing a slightly different aroma and flavor profile. High-quality Oolong teas can often withstand several infusions, with the taste developing with each infusion.
Oolong tea offers a fascinating variety of flavors and aromas, which depend on the specific tea plant (or cultivar), the region in which it is grown, and the precise details of the fermentation and production process.
You can find our premium selection of oolong teas here.
Additional Information on the various types of Oolong tea:
Among tea lovers, various Oolong teas are particularly valued, depending on personal preferences and the specific character of each tea. Some of the Oolong teas considered to be the best include:
- Yan Cha or 'Da Hong Pao' (Big Red Robe): One of the most famous and expensive Oolong teas, which comes from the legendary Wuyi Mountain region in China. It is known for its rich, smoky aroma and its deep, complex, and mineral taste.
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- Tie Guan Yin (Iron Goddess of Mercy): This tea comes from Fujian Province in China and is known for its floral aroma and complex taste. There are both lightly oxidized and more heavily oxidized variants.
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- Phoenix Dan Cong (Phoenix Single Bush): A high-quality Oolong from Guangdong Province in China, known for its exceptional aromatic diversity, which can range from floral to fruity, depending on the specific sub-variety.
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- Dong Ding (Frozen Peak): A classic Taiwanese Oolong, which is grown in the mountains around the Nantou region. Dong Ding Oolong is known for its sweet, creamy taste and floral aroma.
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- Ali Shan (Ali Mountain): A highly esteemed Oolong tea from Taiwan, grown in the Ali Mountains. It is characterized by its fresh, floral aroma and soft, sweet taste.
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- Oriental Beauty: A unique Taiwanese Oolong, also known as Bai Hao. This tea is known for its distinctive aroma of peaches and honey, and its lightly oxidized leaves with white tips.
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