What is Oolong/Wulong Tea?

The ‘Black Dragon’ Tea

One variety of tea that is very popular in Asia but just gaining recognition in the US is oolong tea. Sometimes referred to as Wulong tea, as well, oolong literally means black dragon. Wulong, however, refers to the originator of the tea Wu Liang. According to Chinese legend, Wu Liang was busy collecting and processing tea leaves when he spotted a river deer. He stopped to kill and prepare the deer and it interrupted his tea processing for the day, and he forgot to dry out the leaves. He remembered the tea a day later. By this time it had begun to change color, and Wu Liang was afraid it had gone bad, but decided to finish drying it anyway. After completing the drying process, he made himself a cup and found that he had created a very flavorful and aromatic tea – and oolong was born.

Oolong tea, in terms of processing, falls somewhere between green and black tea. Oolong tea is semi-fermented, meaning that it does go through a fermentation process, but for a shorter time than black tea.

Tea leaves for oolong tea are picked early in the day and then dried indoors to promote fermenting. But, the fermentation process must be stopped when the leaves are 30% red and 70% green. Stopping the fermentation process is the most critical step to making good oolong tea. Once fermentation has stopped, the tea leaves are rubbed, which releases the aroma, flavor and texture. Finally, the leaves are dried using charcoal, before they are graded for quality and sent for packaging.

Most oolong tea is grown and processed in China, in the Fujian Province. Chinese oolong tea is exported all over the world, and is known as the national tea of China.

Oolong tea is also grown in Taiwan, and a small amount is grown in the Darjeeling region of India. In Taiwan, oolong tea is referred to as Formosa tea, in reference to the country’s original name. Oolong tea from Taiwan is more difficult to find than Chinese oolong tea, but it is worth the effort. In Taiwan, oolong tea is often fermented for a shorter period of time than in China; sometimes the leaves are only about 15% fermented, compared to the typical 30%. These Taiwanese oolong teas are known as "pouchongs". In addition, Taiwanese oolong teas are dried in the sun rather than in the sun.

The oolong tea flavor

Oolong teas are unfamiliar to many people in the West. However, the flavor of a good oolong tea is one that has wide appeal. They have a fruity flavor and aroma and are one of the most fragrant teas produced. They have far less bitterness than black tea and a less grassy flavor than green tea. All in all, unless over brewed, oolong is one of the smoothest cups of tea you can brew.

Oolong tea is also quite healthy. Because it is partially fermented, its anti-oxidant content is a bit different than either black or green tea. Oolong tea holds an especially high level of the anti-oxidant polyphenol, which contributes to its flavor as well as its health potential. Polyphenol is a very potent anti-oxidant; one of the ones found effective in preventing heart disease and cancer. Many people also report that oolong is very effective at promoting weight loss. Much like green tea, the anti-oxidants in oolong tea seem to speed up the metabolism and help oxidize fat, both of which contribute to weight loss.

Brewing wulong tea

Oolong tea is brewed a bit differently than other teas. Tradition calls for you to "wake" the oolong tea leaves before brewing them, to release the flavor. To do this, pour water that is nearly to the boiling point over the leaves in the teapot, simply rinsing them by pouring this water off very quickly. Now that you have awakened the tea leaves, pour a second batch of hot water over the leaves and allow them to steep for about one minute. It’s important not to use water that is too hot when brewing oolong tea. Water that is too hot will reduce the fruitiness of the tea. Over brewing oolong will cause it to be bitter.

True tea connoisseurs brew several pots of oolong from the same leaves. Each infusion will have a different flavor, but each will be delicious.

If you’ve never tried oolong tea, you’re in for a real treat. Most of the best tea shops will carry at least one variety of oolong tea. In addition, many fine tea shops will carry flavored oolong teas. Oolong tea is particularly flavorful when blended with fruit flavors. Since oolong tea has a bit of a fruity flavor on its own, combining it with fruit flavors enhances the flavor of the tea.

So, go to your favorite local or online tea shop and buy some oolong tea. It’s sure to be a favorite – a bolder taste than your favorite white tea, milder than your favorite black tea and just as healthy as your favorite green. It’s the perfect combination of all the things that we find so wonderful about good tea!

Jon Stout is Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. For more information about tea, black tea and wholesale tea go to www.goldenmoontea.com

By Jon Stout
Published: 6/5/2007

On the following pages you’ll find more information about tea: Buy Oolong Tea – Oolong Tea Benefits – The Benefits Of Oolong – The Oolong Tea Weight Loss Alternative – Tea Health Benefit – China Oolong Tea – Dragon Eye, Oolong Green Tea – Formosa & Taiwan Oolong Tea.

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Imperial Formosa Oolong Tea

How Do You Drink Imperial Formosa Oolong Tea?

Most people associate oolong tea with China. And, it’s true that China is where oolong tea originated and that most of the oolong tea produced in the world today is produced in China. However, oolong teas from Taiwan, known as Formosa oolong teas are delicious too, and should certainly be part of your regular collection of teas. Taiwan, in fact, is the second largest producer of oolong teas in the world, and produces some of the finest. In particular, Imperial Formosa oolong tea is a delightful treat. Imperial Formosa oolong tea is a full flavored tea that still manages to remain light.

Imperial Formosa oolong tea is a wonderful blend of flavors and aromas. It has a more complex flavor than many other teas, with a wonderful floral aroma and a melding of flavors like peach, cedar and chestnut. The finish is slightly sweet and the flavor is always mild. Drinking Imperial Formosa oolong tea is a unique experience because each taste of this delicious tea will take you deeper into its combination of tastes and scents.

Imperial Formosa oolong tea is rare in comparison to other teas. Finding it may be a bit difficult and it may be a bit more expensive than other teas you’ve tried. Oolong teas are more labor intensive to produce, which typically makes them more expensive. And, Formosa oolong teas are even more expensive than Chinese oolong teas because the costs of labor are higher in Taiwan. However, like fine wine, rare teas can be appreciated on many different taste and aroma levels and are worth the extra expense.

The best tea merchants, both online and in your local area should have access to Imperial Formosa oolong tea. Once you’ve purchased some you’re certain to be anxious to give it a try.

Formosa teas are brewed a bit differently than other teas. First, run hot tap water into your teapot and tea cups to warm them. A traditional Yixing clay teapot is recommended for brewing oolong teas. Then, put fresh cold spring water into your tea kettle and bring it to a boil. Spring water is preferable to tap water for brewing oolong teas because the high mineral content enhances the tea’s flavor. Once the water comes to a boil, remove it from the heat and allow the water to cool to about 180F. Remove the hot tap water from your teapot and cups and add the loose tea leaves to your pot. Use about one rounded teaspoon for each cup of tea.

Next, you’ll want to "awaken" the tea leaves. This is done by pouring some hot water over the oolong leaves to rinse them, pouring this water off quickly. Now you can add more water and allow the tea to steep for about one minute. Be careful not to over brew oolong teas, else they become bitter.

Imperial Formosa oolong tea leaves can be infused several times before the leaves need to be discarded. Because of this, the tea is not nearly as expensive as it may seem at first. Each infusion of the tea will cause a different aspect of the subtle flavors to be prominent, allowing you to detect more of the tea’s complexities with each cup. It is not recommended that you add milk, sugar or lemon to oolong tea, but that you taste it for its own delicious flavor.

Imperial Formosa oolong is a great tea to enjoy on its own or with food. Imperial Formosa oolong is a great choice to serve with typical lunch fare, such as sandwiches, soups and salads. It is a wonderful complement to spicy foods at any occasion.

Oolong teas are also delicious served with seafood dishes, particularly those that are very rich, like lobster and scallops. It also goes well with chicken dishes, especially those with cream sauces. And, it is the perfect complement to any duck dish. In many cultures, cooks take great care to serve a complementary tea with the meals they prepare, much the same way that wine is chosen to complement the meal.

Finally, Imperial Formosa oolong is a wonderful tea to serve with dessert, especially light desserts. Consider it with desserts such as key lime pie, and banana pudding as well as with light cakes like angel food and pound cake.

Once you’ve discovered the many nuances of oolong tea, you’ll likely want to try it iced, as well. Iced oolong tea can be very refreshing, while remaining full of flavor and fruit. When making Imperial Formosa oolong tea for iced tea, allow the tea to cool before adding ice. Adding ice while the tea is still warm will likely dilute the tea too much. Imperial Formosa oolong’s mild flavor can be compromised if over diluted.

Many people have not yet tasted Imperial Formosa Oolong tea, but nearly all who have tasted it have found it to be one of the most interesting teas they’ve ever sampled. With its complex blend of flavors and light texture, it’s a tea that will please your palate in many different ways and always leave you wanting more.

Jon Stout is Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. For more information about tea, black tea and wholesale tea go to www.goldenmoontea.com

By Jon Stout
Published: 6/18/2007

On the following pages you’ll find more information about tea: Buy Oolong Tea – Oolong Tea Benefits – The Benefits Of Oolong – The Oolong Tea Weight Loss Alternative – Tea Health Benefit – China Oolong Tea – Dragon Eye, Oolong Green Tea – Buy Wulong Tea.

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Best Oolong Tea Blends

Delicious Oolong Tea Blends

If you’re ready for something a little different at tea time, try a flavored oolong tea. Many Westerners have not experienced the delicious flavor of oolong tea in any form. With a different flavor than black, green or white teas, oolongs are a rare treat. When paired with another flavor, oolong teas are quite exceptional.

Oolong tea is very popular in Asia. It was first created in China and is still considered China’s national tea. In the West, however, it is one of the least familiar tea varieties.

Oolong tea is also sometimes known as Wulong tea, after it’s originator. According to Chinese legend, Wu Liang, a Chinese tea gardener, was busy collecting and processing tea leaves when he spotted a river deer. He stopped to kill and prepare the deer and it interrupted his tea processing for the day. He forgot to dry out the leaves, and only remembered them the next day. By this time it had begun to change color, and Wu Liang was afraid it had gone bad, but decided to finish drying it anyway. After completing the drying process, he made himself a cup and found that he had created a very flavorful and aromatic tea – and oolong was born.

Oolong tea, in terms of processing, falls somewhere between green and black tea. Oolong tea is semi-fermented, meaning that it does go through a fermentation process, but for a shorter time than black tea.

Tea leaves for oolong tea are picked early in the day and then dried indoors to promote fermenting. But, the fermentation process must be stopped when the leaves are 30% red and 70% green. Once fermentation has stopped, the tea leaves are rubbed, which releases the aroma, flavor and texture. Finally, the leaves are dried using charcoal, before they are graded for quality and sent for packaging.

Most oolong tea is grown in the Fujian region of China, but some is grown in Taiwan, and a small amount is grown in the Darjeeling region of India and in Vietnam.

In Taiwan, oolong tea is referred to as Formosa tea, in reference to the country’s original name. Formosa tea is sometimes fermented for a shorter period of time than in China; sometimes the leaves are only about 15% fermented, compared to the typical 30%. These Taiwanese oolong teas are known as "pouchongs". In addition, Taiwanese oolong teas are dried in the sun rather than indoors.

Oolong teas have a very fruity flavor, often with smoky or toasted undertones. They are typically very fragrant teas, often with a floral aroma. Because of the natural fruitiness of oolong teas, they are often blended with other fruit flavors. The combination of oolong tea with other fruits only enhances the oolong’s natural flavor.

Some of the common blends of oolong

Coconut Oolong – This oolong tea has a very tropical taste. The combination of the fruity oolong or pouchong tea with the sweetness of coconut creates a light and sweet tea. Because it is light and flavorful, this tea is equally delicious hot or cold.

Orange Oolong – Oolong tea is often blended with orange blossoms or bergamot oil. Orange blossom oolong will provide a very light and sweet orange flavor to the tea. Oolong tea flavored with bergamot oil will be bolder and more flavorful. Bergamot oil comes from the very citrusy bergamot orange and is the flavor used in all Earl Grey teas. Hence, you’ll see this tea labeled as Earl Grey oolong.

Orchid Oolong – This is a very rare oolong, scented with real orchid petals. It can only be produced at certain times of year, when the right orchids are blooming. It produces a very fragrant and lightly sweet tea. When buying this tea, be certain that it has been flavored with real orchid petals rather than an artificial flavoring.

Peach Oolong – Many people describe the fruitiness of oolong tea as resembling the flavor of peaches. So, adding peach pieces to oolong tea is a natural choice. The addition simply enhances oolong’s natural aroma and flavor.

Almond Blossom Oolong – Oolong tea flavored with almond blossom and slivers of almond provides a light and sweet tea with just a hint of almond flavor.

You may also find other blends of oolong tea. With its natural fruity flavor, oolong tea can combine well with nearly any fruit and with many other botanicals, as well. Drinking flavored oolong teas can provide another taste dimension to the already flavorful taste of oolong. Additional flavors and aromas make the tea go well at different times of the day and with different foods.

Consider for example, choosing a spirited flavored oolong like Earl Grey oolong for a mid day meal, or a glass of iced coconut oolong on a hot afternoon. A mild almond blossom oolong can provide a perfect way to wind down after a stressful day.

Oolong teas are some of the most versatile teas available. You may find them a bit harder to locate and somewhat expensive, but they are certainly worth the effort and the expense. Oolong is a tea with many dimensions and one that provides some of the most complex and subtle flavor combinations. Spend a little time experiencing the many different flavors available in oolong tea. You’re certain to find quite a few that you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

Jon Stout is Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. For more information about tea, black tea and wholesale tea go to www.goldenmoontea.com

By Jon Stout
Published: 6/17/2007

On the following pages you’ll find more information about tea: Buy Oolong Tea – Oolong Tea Benefits – The Benefits Of Oolong – The Oolong Tea Weight Loss Alternative – Tea Health Benefit – China Oolong Tea – Formosa & Taiwan Oolong Tea – Buy Wulong Tea.

Delicious Oolong Tea Blends
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