We get it, you are ready to venture into the exciting and diverse world of oolong teas but don't know where to start. We're here to be your guide on this journey. Although we are a company specializing in Taiwanese oolongs, we will aim to be as unbiased as possible. Let's get started!
Oolong Tea Varieties
Oolong teas are like the middle children of the tea world, nestled between their siblings – green and black teas. They're partially oxidized, which gives them a kaleidoscope of flavors, from buttery florals to deep chocolate and roasted nuts. Each oolong tea brings its own unique charm to your teacup, offering a flavor-packed surprise with every sip!
Unraveling the Different Types
Oolong teas are as diverse as the people who drink them! They can be categorized mostly by oxidation level and roasting, giving rise to teas with a wide variety of flavor profiles. Here's a quick rundown of the oolong types you might encounter:
"Green" Oolong
Picture a fresh, bright flavor with a rich, buttery body – that's your green oolong. Taiwan is famous for producing some stellar green oolongs, like the aromatic Baozhong and the creamy Milk Oolongs.
Medium Oxidation Oolong
These teas strike the perfect balance with their floral, fruity, and honeyed notes. A standout in this category is the Oriental Beauty Oolong, known for its distinctive fruity and honeyed flavors.
Medium Roast Oolong
Love a little spice in your tea? These oolongs are roasted to add warm spice notes and a deeper, mellow body. Try the Taiwanese Dong Ding Oolong, which brings nutty, sesame flavors to your palate.
Heavy Roast Oolong
For those who love their tea dark and full-bodied, these teas are the way to go. Taiwanese Iron Goddess is a great option. Chinese Wuyi rock teas, like Da Hong Pao, also offer a unique strong roasted flavor.
Tips for Buying Oolong Tea
Now that you know about the types of oolong teas, let's talk about how to buy them online. Here's some tips to make your online tea shopping easy-peasy:
1. Start with the pros
Look for reputable online tea retailers that specialize in loose leaf teas.
2. Know your tea
Detailed descriptions of the tea's origin, processing method, and flavor profile can help you make an informed choice.
3. Understand your tastes
The oxidation level and roasting process will affect the flavor of your tea, so choose accordingly.
4. Trust your fellow tea lovers
Customer reviews can give you an idea of the tea's quality and taste.
5. Try before you buy big
Consider sampler packs or smaller quantities, or even oolong tea bags, to discover your favorites before making larger purchases.
Need a helping hand?
If you're unsure which oolong tea to buy, don't hesitate to reach out to your tea supplier. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your preferences. We have a quiz at hand that provides some help, but if you need more assistance, just contact us.
And remember, while we love our Taiwanese oolongs, exploring oolongs from various regions will give you a fuller appreciation of this extraordinary tea's complexity. So, ready to dive into the world of oolong teas? We have brewing guides here to help make the steeping process a breeze.
Oolong Tea FAQs
What is special about oolong tea?
Oolong tea is truly unique due to its extraordinary diversity in flavor, complexity, and body. This wide range of characteristics is achieved through a careful and labor-intensive process of partial oxidation and roasting. This makes oolong tea one of the most exciting categories in the tea world.
The quality of an oolong tea depends largely on the skill level of the person processing it, making it a great example of true craftsmanship and tradition. This 'chef-like' approach to tea-making also allows some oolongs to be steeped a dozen times or more, with the final steep often feeling like a completely different tea.
Can I drink oolong tea every day?
Yes, you can certainly enjoy oolong tea every day! Oolong tea is not only delicious but also offers a number of potential health benefits, like improved heart health, better brain function, and even weight management.
However, like all teas, oolong contains caffeine, so you should be mindful of your caffeine intake, especially if you are sensitive to it. Also, due to its complex and evolving flavors, oolong can be a daily indulgence that never gets boring.
Is oolong tea stronger than green tea?
In terms of flavor, oolong tea can be more robust and complex than green tea due to its partial oxidation process and potential roasting. However, the 'strength' of the tea can vary widely among different types of oolongs, with some being light and delicate and others being bold and intense.
When it comes to caffeine content, it can also vary based on how the tea is processed and brewed. As always, the 'strength' of a tea can be subjective and depends on personal preference.