Oolong Tea: Ancient Chinese and Taiwanese Tea

Oolong (Wulong) tea has a long history in China and is very popular as a daily drinking tea. Oolongs typically either come from China or Taiwan. Some oolongs are now also grown in other places like Vietnam. Anxi County of Fujian Provence is the homeland of the famous Tieguanyin oolong tea and its many varietals. Some oolongs are only slightly oxidized and retain a very floral and sweet taste. Some oolongs are more heavily oxidized and roasted to create a robust and rich tea. These teas are very satisfying, especially for coffee drinkers.

Aged Taiwanese Tea Collections

               Taiwan oolongs are very varied. The high mountain green oolongs such as Alishan oolong are made up of big leaves and brew a cup that is extremely flowery and sometimes milky. They also make some roasted teas that rival the Mainland China dark Oolongs.

               Within the last number of years aged oolongs have come on the scene. Whether they are from the Mainland or Taiwan they create a complex taste, each being quite unique. Many aged oolongs are gently re-roasted every few years to keep moisture down and create layers of flavor. A tea expert needs to roast these leaves to keep them at the peak of taste. Aged oolong teas are now finding their place on many top shelf tea collections.