Oolong Tea: One of the 6 types of Tea
White Tea, Yellow Tea, Green Tea, Oolong Tea, Black Tea, and Dark Tea (fermented like Puerh).
What do these 6 types of tea all have in common? They all come from the Camellia Sinensis plant. The difference between each type is the process that the leaves go through to become that particular tea. This process is one of the factors that influences the flavor that the tea leaves release when brewed.
Different regions of the world specialize in certain types of tea and have been for centuries or even millenia. This is why where your tea comes from is so important. Taiwan in particular is recognized globally for producing some of the best Oolong teas in the world. This is why My Tea Places’ Oolong teas are of the highest quality from Taiwan.
Interestingly, even among Oolongs there are differences in the process, the cultivars being used, the craftsmanship, and the terroir where the tea plant grows. Some Oolongs as you can see from the pictures on our site, are small curled wrapped oolongs like the Fireside Oolong, Majestic Mountain and Pacific Oolong Reserve and some are long strip curly Oolongs like the Premier.
What makes an Oolong, an Oolong?
For the leaves to become a particular type of tea, they go through a specific process. Here is a description of the process that most Oolongs go through. After the leaves are plucked from the gardens, they receive both outdoor and indoor withering, then the leaves are intentionally and carefully bruised by being shaken and tossed around in baskets to help the leaves retain their flavor and aroma. Thus, receiving partial oxidation depending on the type of Oolong being made. The process requires panning or baking and some leaves are rolled or curled in big canvas wraps. Lastly, the leaves are dried to remove moisture and they receive slight firing at the end. The entire process can take up to 18 hours at times depending on the type of Oolong being made and the craftsmanship of the Tea Master.
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