Oolong tea – the ultimate in tea
Oolong tea is recognized as one of the best and most exclusive teas on the market – and for good reason. The tea's unique flavor and aroma benefits have made it a favorite among tea lovers around the world. But what exactly makes Oolong tea so special? How is it produced?
In this blog post, we delve into the universe, origin and production of Oolong tea. Read on and find out what makes the popular tea so sought after.
What does Oolong tea consist of?
Oolong tea is a cross between black tea and green tea , which makes it a unique combination of the properties of the two teas. Oolong tea is made from longer tea leaves than green tea, and is fermented for a longer period than black tea. This gives it a complex flavor and unique aroma.
Origin of Oolong
Oolong tea has its roots in China, where it has been cultivated and produced for more than 400 years. The word "Oolong" is also Chinese and means "black dragon". The name refers to the long and dark leaves of the tea plant, which resemble the tail of a dragon. The tea plant used to produce Oolong tea is called Camellia sinensis, and it is the same plant , which is also used to produce green, white and black tea.
Oolong tea was introduced to Taiwan in the 19th century, where it was grown at higher altitudes than in China. This gave the Oolong tea from Taiwan a different taste and aroma than its counterpart from China, making it sought after by tea lovers. Today, Oolong tea is also grown in other parts of the world, such as Japan and Vietnam, making it a globally recognized tea.
Oolong tea was originally a luxury item that was only produced in limited quantities. Over the last few centuries, however, it has become more accessible to the general population. Today, there are many different Oolong teas on the market, each of which has its own unique taste and aroma.
This is how Oolong tea is made
The production of Oolong tea differs from the production of other teas as it goes through a more complicated process. Oolong tea production proceeds as follows:
- The tea leaves are harvested from the tea bushes, after which they are sorted. They are typically harvested by hand, and only the most well-developed leaves are selected for use in Oolong tea.
- The leaves are placed in the sun where they undergo an "oxidation" process as they are exposed to air and dried. The process continues until they have received the desired amount of oxidation, which helps to give the tea leaves their dark color and unique and caramel-like flavor. The leaves are continuously rotated gently to prevent them from breaking while drying.
- Finally, the tea leaves are sorted according to quality and shape. They are then shaped into their final shape, either by being rolled or shaped manually, after which they are packed and sent out to market.
Buy Oolong tea at Nordic Tea
At Nordic Tea you will find a large selection of high-quality Oolong tea. We have Oolong tea from both China and Taiwan, so you can try the different flavors and aromas and taste the difference yourself.
Our Oolong teas are hand-picked and production is carefully monitored, so you are guaranteed the best quality and taste. In addition, our Oolong teas are also certified organic.
See our selection of Oolong tea here and enjoy the unique taste this tea has to offer.