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.
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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 of Northern Thailand in a high mountain near 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 floral aroma while brewing and drinking. It gives a beautiful golden color liquor and a medium strong caffeine level. Read and see more photos about this tea in our blog. Truly delicious!
INGREDIENT: 100% Camellia Sinensis (Tea)
GRADE: Thailand Certified Organic
CULTIVAR: JinXuan
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Medium
BREWING DIRECTIONS: Use about 3/4 teaspoon for 6 fl. oz of water for about 1 minute. With temperature around 212F or 100C. It can be infused up to 5 times.
ORIGIN: Thailand
GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in 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 soft, creamy "milky" flavor which makes this tea desirable.
INGREDIENT: 100% Camellia Sinensis (Organic Tea)
GRADE: Conventional
CULTIVAR: JinXuan
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Medium
BREWING DIRECTION: About 1.5 teaspoon per 7oz of water at 185F or 85C. About 2-3 minutes. Multiple infusions.
ORIGIN: China
GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in 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 which lasts long after the sip.
INGREDIENTS: Tea (Camilla Sinensis)
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Medium
BREWING DIRECTIONS: 1 Tea spoon | 7oz Water | 2-3 Minutes | 195 F | Multiple infuses.
ORIGIN: Taiwan
GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in an air-tight container away from strong odor and sunlight.
Oriental Beauty Oolong
$2.75 - $18.95
This tea is premium, famous and uniquely produced tea in Taiwan. Grown in ahigh mountain, the leaves were picked by hand. Its smell is like light clove, dates and rose hips. With medium body, its tasting notes are light spice honey, plum and rose hips.
INGREDIENT: 100% Camellia Sinensis (Tea)
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 air-tight container, away from strong odor or sunlight.
Big Red Robe (Da Hong Pao) Oolong
$2.95 - $14.95
Da Hong Pao or Big Red Robe in English. This is a medium charcoal roasting oolong. It gives a flavor of red dates and purple plums and slightly roasted with light floral/fruity aroma. It is clean finished and clear, medium-amber colored liquor.
INGREDIENT: 100% Camellia Sinensis (Tea)
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Medium
BREWING DIRECTION: About 1 tea spoon per 7 oz with water temperature of 212F for 2 minutes. Multiple brew.
ORIGIN: China
LiShan Oolong
$20.95
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)
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Medium
BREWING DIRECTION: About 6 grams per 8oz, 90c for two minutes. Multiple brew.
ORIGIN: Taiwan
GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in air-tight container, away from strong odor or sunlight.
Magnolia Oolong
$2.50 - $13.95
Light aroma of magnolia with a hint of nutty from Oolong tea.
INGREDIENTS: Tea, Marigold petals, Natural flavored.
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Medium
BREWING DIRECTIONS: About 1 tea spoon per 8 oz, steep for 2-3 minutes at 180-195F .
ORIGIN: USA
GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in 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
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Medium
BREWING DIRECTIONS: 1 Tea spoon | 7oz Water | 2-3 Minutes | 195 F | Multiple infuses.
Origin: USA
GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in air-tight container, away from strong odor or sunlight.
Siam Ruby Oolong Tea
$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 a notes of toasted hazelnut.
INGREDIENTS: Tea
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Medium
BREWING DIRECTIONS: 1 Tea spoon | 7oz Water | 2-3 Minutes | 195 F | Multiple infuses.
ORIGIN: Thailand
GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in air-tight container, away from strong odor or sunlight.
Phoenix Honey Orchid Oolong (Mi Lan Xiang)
$32.95
Produced by the same family as our Eight Immortals Oolong (Ba Xian) in Tian Zhu Keng village, Feng Huang mountain. 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 asweet, smooth and subtle orchid fragrance.
INGREDIENT: 100% Camellia Sinensis (Tea)
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Medium -Low
BREWING DIRECTION: About 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: China
WEIGHT: 56.65g. | 2.0oz.
Eight Immortals (Ba Xian)
$32.95
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 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)
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Medium -Low
BREWING DIRECTION: About 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 Tea
$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, 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. 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.
INGREDIENTS: Tea
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Medium
BREWING DIRECTIONS: 1 Teaspoon | 7oz Water | 2-3 Minutes | 195 F | Multiple infuses.
ORIGIN: Alishan (Ali Mountain), Taiwan
