Oolong is a traditional Chinese tea somewhere between green and black in oxidation.
In Chinese tea culture, semi-oxidized oolong teas are collectively grouped as blue-green tea. Oolong has a taste more like green tea than black tea, because it lacks the rosy, sweet aroma of black tea. The best Oolong has a nuanced flavor profile. It is commonly brewed to be strong, with the bitterness leaving a sweet and pleasant aftertaste.
Oolong means "black dragon" in Chinese.
According to the "tribute tea" theory, oolong tea was a direct descendant of Dragon-Phoenix Tea Cake tribute tea.
Oolong tea replaced it when loose tea came into fashion. Since it was dark, long and curly, it was called the Black Dragon tea.
According to the "Wuyi" theory, oolong tea first existed in Wuyi Mountain. It was said that oolong tea was named after the part of Wuyi mountain it was originally produced. According to the "Anxi" theory, oolong tea had its origin in the Anxi oolong tea plant.
Oolong tea undergoes a few delicate processes in order to produce the unique aroma and taste.
Wilting: Sun dry or air dry to remove some moisture.
Yaoqing: To bruise the edge of the tea leaf to create more contacting surface for oxidation.
Rouqing: The tea leaves are tumbled or rubbed for the next stage.
Shaqing: Process to stop further oxidation.
Tea connoisseurs classify the tea by its aroma, often fragrant or flowery, taste and aftertaste, often melony. The most famous and expensive Oolong teas are made here but the production is still usually accredited as organic.
Da Hong PaoBig Red Robe in Chinese, a highly prized tea and a Si Da Ming Cong - The Four Great Bushes. This tea is also one of the two Oolongs making it to the list of Chinese famous teas. Shui Jin GuiGolden Turtle in Chinese, a Si Da Ming Cong. TieluohanIron [Arhat] in Chinese, a Si Da Ming Cong.Bai Ji GuanWhite Cockscomb in Chinese, a Si Da Ming Cong.
A light tea with lightly colored leaves.Rou GuiCinnamon in Chinese, a dark tea with a spicy aroma. Shui HsienWater Sprite in Chinese, a very dark tea, often grown elsewhere. It is very famous, in fact a 'Chinese famous tea' and very popular.
Accordingly, the major buyers of Taiwan tea are usually in the domestic market, with very small quantity left for foreign market. Qualities of the teas in Taiwan are usually affected by the year and season, growers and areas of production.
To make Oolong tea according to Chinese methods, uee 2.25 grams of tea per 6 ounces of water, or about two teaspoons of oolong tea per cup.
Below are links to videos on Oolong Tea:
What is Oolong Tea
Oolong from China - called Pu-erh
