Oolong tea, also known as wu long tea, stands out amidst the rich tapestry of tea production processes and varieties, boasting a diversity that is unparalleled. Whether it hails from the misty mountains of Taiwan or the verdant fields of Fujian, China, oolong tea has garnered widespread recognition for its distinctive flavors and aromas. Its journey traces back to the Qing Dynasty in China, where its popularity began to burgeon before gradually spreading its influence across the globe.
One of the distinguishing features of oolong tea is its partial oxidation process, except to white tea, all types of tea that situated between the realms of green tea, which undergoes non-oxidation, and black tea, which experiences complete oxidation, oolong tea occupies a unique space. This intermediary oxidation level lends it a spectrum of flavors and characteristics, making it a favored choice among tea enthusiasts.
Kochill, tea brand founded by a charcoal-roasted tea artisan, is dedicated to promoting the craft and culture of tea roasting while continually innovating in traditional techniques. Our aim is to become the best online tea shop that offer best oolong tea. Kochill embraces these timeless traditions, offering tea enthusiasts around the world an opportunity to savor the exquisite craftsmanship and rich cultural heritage embodied in every sip.
Chinese Oolong Tea
As the birthplace of all types of tea, including oolong tea, China boasts a diverse array of kinds of oolong tea. Oolong tea primarily originates from the coastal provinces of Fujian and Guangdong. Famous oolong varieties from China include Tie Guan Yin from Anxi, Wuyi Rock Tea, Da Hong Pao from Wuyi Mountain, and Fenghuang Dancong.
Oolong Tea in Taiwan
Diverse variability of production processes and varieties let oolong tea have very distinctive characteristics in each producing region. Especially Taiwan, such a little island that has 9 kinds of special tea, 7 of them belong to oolong tea. Because of historical reasons, Taiwan maintains the craft of tea roasting for hundreds years; that’s why tea from Taiwan is so diverse either with exterior, or flavors.
For example, Bao Zhong Oolong from Wun Shan region that notes with floral; Tieh Guan Yin that notes with nuts and woody; Oriental Beauty (Dongfang Meiren Tea) that note with fruity and fragrance of honey; even high mountain tea that being the most famous tea from Taiwan belongs to oolong tea. All of them belong to types of oolong tea from Taiwan.
Roasted Oolong
Tea roasting, an age-old tradition steeped in cultural significance, is not merely a producing process but an art form that transforms raw leaves into a delicately aromatic beverage cherished worldwide. Originating in ancient China, where tea was first cultivated and revered, the meticulous practice of roasting tea leaves has evolved into a refined craft embraced by cultures across the globe.
At its essence, tea roasting is a methodical dance between heat and time, carefully orchestrated to coax out the nuanced flavors hidden within the tea. The process typically begins with freshly tea that just been produced, which are delicately handled to preserve their integrity. These leaves undergo a series of carefully controlled heating stages, each designed to impart specific qualities to the final brew.
Among the most renowned style of roasted tea is Tie Guan Yin, originating from Anxi County in Fujian Province, China. It is also produced in the Muzha District of Taipei, Taiwan. Kochill's Nutty Scent Oolong Tea perfectly captures the essence of classic charcoal-roasted Tie Guan Yin, boasting a rich, velvety texture and a deep, sophisticated aroma. Ideal for traditional Gongfu tea ceremonies, it also serves as the perfect choice for crafting roasted oolong milk tea.
Wuyi Rock Tea and Da Hong Pao are other classic Chinese roasted oolong teas. In Taiwan, apart from Tie Guan Yin, Dong Ding Oolong Tea stands out as an astonishing example of roasted oolong tea. With a base reminiscent of freshly baked cookies and notes of fruity and sweetness of cane sugar, #2542 Peach Oolong beautifully showcases these distinctive flavors.
Roasted oolong tea and milk will always be a great combination, try out the Nuts Tea Collection.
Oolong Tea Varieties
Tie Guan Yin not only merely a style of oolong tea, it's also the name of one variety of tea tree cultivated in both China and Taiwan. This particular cultivar is most renowned for producing Tie Guan Yin oolong tea. China, being the birthplace of all types of tea, naturally boasts the most diverse varieties of tea tree.
Taiwan, famed for oolong teas, predominantly varieties of tea tree suitable for producing oolong tea. Cing Xin oolong, characterized by its elegant floral and fruity notes, is the most prevalent. Another significant oolong tea variety in Taiwan is Jin Xuan, also known as Milky Oolong, celebrated for its creamy texture and delicate flavor profile.
Process of Oolong Tea
Plucking - Outdoor Withering - Indoor Withering - Agitating - Fixation - Rubbing - (Cloth packed kneading) - Drying