OOLONG TEA AND ITS BENEFITS.
Oolong tea is just a blissful combination of dark (black) and green tea. The fine preparation of Oolong tea depends upon the quantity of processing time by the masters. Its characteristics are well defined more in a green tea category than a black tea.
It is quite notable to see the shape of Oolong tea that are traditionally rolled, twisted or curled into tight balls or thin strands. The non-mechanized shaping techniques of the tea masters make it appearance blissful, colorful and aromatic. The entire direction of final processing of Oolong tea depends on when and how the tea leaves are rolled.
It is quite notable to see the shape of Oolong tea that are traditionally rolled, twisted or curled into tight balls or thin strands. The non-mechanized shaping techniques of the tea masters make it appearance blissful, colorful and aromatic. The entire direction of final processing of Oolong tea depends on when and how the tea leaves are rolled.
|
Origins: Oolong gradually evolved as…
As Oolong tea is a processed product, its origins are said to be from China and Taiwan like other tea forms. Stories about Oolong tea says, it bestowed its name from ”Wulong” or “Black Dragon”, as these tea forms are heavily oxidized and twisted to its shape which mirrored mystical Chinese dragons. Chinese Oolongs are grown over high mountainous regions in a highly cold climate. This distinctive environment gives Oolong its rich flavor and aroma. In comparison with Taiwan’s Oolong tea, it is less oxidized and lighter in flavor than Chinese Oolongs. Apart from the taste, the final pickings are also different; from long leafy strands to twisted whirls Taiwan’s Oolongs are much delightful. Due to their presence over mist-filled mountainous regions, Taiwan’s Oolongs have a flowery herbaceous flavor and are further roasted for a hearty woodsy one. We also have Oolong that grow in Thailand. Many of the tea farmers were immigrants from China or Taiwan. The tea production in Thailand is closer to Taiwan's Oolong. However, with different geography, it gives out different aroma and taste. HEALTH BENEFITS OF OOLONG TEAHealth Benefits of Oolong Tea
Consuming tea has been coming out from ages now. But its benefits are yet to be spread in the minds and in blood too. Drinking tea can be a habit but a few knows about the varieties, flavors and required consuming patterns. Oolong tea’s benefits are yet to be gathered at one place. You can find several information’s over the web about its benefits. |
The oxidation process of Oolong tea lies somewhere in between the oxidation process of black and green tea. It is rather controlled by the tea masters or under their supervision, Oolong tea oxidation levels are kept between 7% to 80% that of black tea preparation. Thus, a partial oxidation of Camellia Sinensis plant results in the preparation of Oolong tea. Great Tea Road's Oolong teas are directly from tea farms. We curate our tea based on taste and quality. They are exceptional quality and affordable." Making of Oolong Tea
Withering or Wilting Freshly picked tea leaves are intentionally bruised in order to make it ready for the oxidation process. The leaves are then laid out dry for several hours in the sun to wilt and loose the moisture present inside it. Wilting or withering softens the tea leaves, making them agile so that they don’t break or tear during the rolling and shaping process of the tea preparation. Cooling Cooling process of tea leaves is necessary to make it ready for rolling. After being heated under sun for hours, the tea leaves begin to wilt and flatten that signifies the process to take place with ease. Light Rolling Immediate wilted leaves are lightly rolled. Rolling process helps tea get their unique appearances and flavor. Moreover, the lightly rolling and bruising makes tea leaves release essential oils that add up to the most delightful tastes of Oolong tea. Rolling further exposes tea leaves to higher oxygen content and stimulates oxidation. Oxidation and Roasting How long does the tea leaves need to be oxidized to generate its ultimate color and appearance? Oolong tea varies in levels of oxidation from 7% to 80% and thus checked by the tea masters for the final outcome of color and flavor of the tea. Once the oxidation process is completed, next is to adhere to the roasting for desired outcomes by the tea masters, tea leaves are exposed to heat to impart important flavored characteristics into the final oolong tea. Drying and Sorting In order to completely reduce the moisture that left after the oxidation process, the oolong tea leaves are left to dry and after the process is over; the leaves are visually sorted to maintain similar size, appearance and flavor. Hand sorting is an important end factor as they need to forward to the market according to their appearances likely unopened buds, broken leafs and whole leaves. |
Angkhang Oolong
$2.50 - $12.95
This tea came from a small village in Northern Thailand in a high mountain near the border of Thai-Myanmar. The leaves are hand-rolled and will reveal themselves as full leaves once brew. It has a malty sweet taste and you will find a floral aroma while brewing and drinking. It gives a beautiful golden color liquor and a medium-strong caffeine level. Read and see more photos of this tea in our blog. Truly delicious!
INGREDIENT: 100% Camellia Sinensis (Tea)
TYPE: Oolong
GRADE: Thailand Certified Organic
CULTIVAR: JinXuan
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Medium
BREWING DIRECTIONS: Use about a heap for 6-7 fl. oz of water | 2-3 min| 212F or 100C| Multiple infusions.
ORIGIN: Chiangrai, Thailand
GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in an air-tight container, away from strong odor or sunlight.
Milk Oolong
$2.50 - $12.95
Milk Oolong is sweet and lightly roasted semi-ball-rolled style Oolong produced in Taiwan. Then it is transformed into a soft, creamy "milky" flavor which makes this tea desirable.
INGREDIENT: 100% Camellia Sinensis (Organic Tea)
TYPE: Oolong
CULTIVAR: JinXuan
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Medium
BREWING DIRECTION: About 1.5 teaspoons per 7oz of water at 185F or 85C. About 2-3 minutes. Multiple infusions.
ORIGIN: China
GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in an air-tight container, away from strong odor or sunlight.
Tin Kwan Yin
$2.00 - $10.95
High elevation semi-oxidized Ti Kwan Yin Oolong tea has a natural floral taste quite unique to Oolong teas. The steeped tea has a yellow-green hue, a floral aroma with slightly roasted undertones, a strong smooth flavor, and a faintly sweet and fresh aftertaste that lasts long after the sip.
INGREDIENTS: Tea (Camilla Sinensis)
TYPE: Oolong
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Medium
BREWING DIRECTIONS: 1 Teaspoon | 7oz Water | 2-3 Minutes | 195 F | Multiple infuses.
ORIGIN: China
GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in an air-tight container away from strong odor and sunlight.
Oriental Beauty
$3.00 - $18.95
This tea is premium, famous, and uniquely produced tea in Taiwan. Grown in a high mountain, the leaves were picked by hand. Its smell is like light clove, dates, and rose hips. With a medium body, its tasting notes are light spice honey, plum, and rose hips.
INGREDIENT: 100% Camellia Sinensis (Tea)
TYPE: Oolong
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Medium
OXIDATION: 60%
BREWING DIRECTION: About 2tea spoon per 7 oz, steep for 2-3 minutes at 190F or 88C.
ORIGIN: Nantou, Taiwan
GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in an air-tight container, away from strong odor or sunlight.
LiShan Oolong
$2.97 - $14.66
LiShan, Mountain Li, is the tallest mountain in Taiwan. Its fragrance is like sugar cane and cashews. When brew, it has a wildflower with notes of nectarine and jasmine. It gives a medium-heavy body and can brew several times.
INGREDIENT: 100% Camellia Sinensis (Tea)
TYPE: Oolong
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Medium
BREWING DIRECTION: About 6 grams per 8oz, 90c for two minutes. Multiple brews.
ORIGIN: Li Mountain, Taiwan
GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in an air-tight container, away from strong odor or sunlight.
Peach Oolong
$2.25 - $11.95
High elevation semi-oxidized Ti Kwan Yin Oolong tea with Peach flavor. One of our popular teas!
INGREDIENTS: Tea
TYPE: Oolong
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Medium
ORIGIN: Prior Lake, Minnesota
BREWING DIRECTIONS: 1 Teaspoon | 7oz Water | 2-3 Minutes | 195 F | Multiple infuses.
GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in an air-tight container, away from strong odor or sunlight.
Siam Ruby Oolong
$2.00 - $12.95
From a high elevation mountain of Thailand. The steeped tea has a golden color. The aroma of dry tea is more like spinach but when brew its floral aroma is released. Smooth, complex, and rich flavor. It has notes of toasted hazelnut.
INGREDIENTS: Tea
TYPE: Oolong
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Medium
BREWING DIRECTIONS: 1 Teaspoon | 7oz Water | 2-3 Minutes | 195 F | Multiple infuses.
ORIGIN: Chiangrai, Thailand
GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in an air-tight container, away from strong odor or sunlight.
Phoenix Honey Orchid (Mi Lan Xiang)
$6.95 - $32.95
Phoenix Honey Orchid or Mi Lan Xiang is produced by a tea farm in Tian Zhu Keng village, Feng Huang mountain, China. Its characteristic is light honey taste and orchid fragrance. This is a very smooth tea and persistent orchid fragrance. Oxidation is about 30% and repeatedly roasted. Therefore, it is a sweet, smooth, and subtle orchid fragrance.
INGREDIENT: 100% Camellia Sinensis (Tea)
TYPE: Oolong
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Medium -Low
BREWING DIRECTION: About a heap of tea per 6 oz of water. For multiple infusions by removing the tea leaves from your tea and set them aside until you are ready to re-steep.
ORIGIN: Feng Huang mountain, Chinaa
GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in an air-tight container, away from strong odor or sunlight.
Eight Immortals (Ba Xian)
$32.95
Eight Immortals or also known in Chinese as Ba Xian is originally from Tian Zhu Keng Village, Feng Huang Mountain, Dandong Prefecture, Liaoning Province, China. This is one of our favorite oolong tea. It is sweet and smooth with a light floral and fruity taste to it. It can be brewed several times. The altitude of tea was grown above 700 meters. One of the best oolong teas and difficult to find. This tea comes from the same family that grows our Phoenix Honey Orchid Oolong tea.
INGREDIENT: 100% Camellia Sinensis (Tea)
TYPE: Oolong
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Medium -Low
BREWING DIRECTION: About a heap of tea per 6 oz of water. Multiple infusions by removing the leaves from your tea and set them aside until you are ready to re-steep.
ORIGIN: China
WEIGHT: 56.65g. | 2.0oz.
Alishan Oolong
$2.65 - $16.95
Alishan High Mountain tea has stood out from the crowd as the most sought after Taiwanese tea. Because of its popularity, it sometimes makes me wonder if it is authentic.
Alishan High Mountain Oolong tea’s key characteristics are its complex, floral notes, buttery, and a slightly sweet, long-lasting aftertaste. The tea’s aroma is herbal and floral, compared to some like orchid or jasmine. The flavor is complex and floral, with hints of fruits that we can’t really pint point to. It is a slow-growing tea and is harvested only twice a year. Because of this factor, it results in a deep flavor that is prized by many oolong enthusiasts. The texture is light and creamy. This tea is great for multiple infusions and will keep its flavor long after the first steep.
There are many people that claimed it was from Alishan, please use your judgment when you buy online. You can trust us because we visited there to obtain our Alishan oolong.
INGREDIENTS: Tea
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Medium
BREWING DIRECTIONS: 1 Teaspoon | 7oz Water | 2-3 Minutes | 195 F | Multiple infuses.
ORIGIN: Alishan (Ali Mountain), Taiwan
GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in an air-tight container, away from strong odor and sunlight
Ginseng Oolong
$2.50 - $12.95
What a good combination: Oolong and Ginseng! The aroma of this dry tea is light. After brewing, you will get a sweetness aftertaste from ginseng with a hint of toast and astringent. The tea is very soothing especially when you have a sore throat.
INGREDIENT: 100% Camellia Sinensis (Tea)
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Medium
BREWING DIRECTION: About a heap of tea per 8 oz of water. Multiple infusions by removing the leaves from your tea and set them aside until you are ready to re-steep.
ORIGIN: Fujian, China
GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in the airtight container, away from strong odor and sunlight.
Green Apple Oolong
$2.75 - $14.95
Light and fresh aroma of green apple. Using our Tin Kwan Yin Oolong is based then garnishing with apple pieces and naturally flavored. It is great for hot or cold brew.
INGREDIENTS: Tea, Apple pieces. Natural flavored.
TYPE: Oolong
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Medium
ORIGIN: Prior Lake, Minnesota
BREWING DIRECTIONS: 1 Teaspoon | 7oz Water | 2-3 Minutes | 195 F .
GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in an airtight container, away from strong odor or sunlight.
