Formosa Oolong Tea
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Oolong means semi fermented. After rolling, the tea is allowed to ferment only until the edges of the leaves start to turn brown. The tea is then fired which arrests the fermenting process and captures the interesting character associated with Oolong tea. In Taiwan, producing oolong tea involves highly specialized skills in the control of the withering, oxidation and firing. A slight variance in any of these gives each variety a distinctive aroma, flavor, color and finish.
The best Oolongs come from Taiwan (Formosa) where the character of short-fired oolongs has been described as peach like with a refreshing fruity herbaceous character whereas long-fired oolongs take on bakey notes with rich amber liquids. This tea falls into the latter category.
It is worth noting that in Taiwan, the making of oolong tea is regarded as a precious art that requires years of training. From the nursing of a seedling, to planting, to nourishing the bushes, to properly selecting the best time to pluck the leaves, the husbandry of the tea farmer is a legacy passed down from many generations. It is felt that only the application of years of dedicated study and practice, combined with the unique character of Taiwan tealeaves, can provide the exceptional quality oolong teas that have made the island famous for its teas.
An interesting footnote: During the 2nd World War the production of tea was greatly expanded while the island was occupied. This production was exported to Japan to supplement their own production, which was falling below domestic demand.
Ingredients: Oolong tea
ANTIOXIDANT LEVEL: Very High
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Medium
KOSHER: Yes
VEGETARIAN: Yes
VEGAN: Yes
IDEAL BREWING TEMPERATURE: 100ºC/212ºF
|
TEA CUP |
8oz (237ml) |
10oz (296ml) |
12oz (355ml) |
|
Amount |
1 heaping teaspoon |
1 heaping teaspoon |
1.5 heaping teaspoon |
|
MILD |
2-3 min |
2-3 min |
2-3 min |
|
MEDIUM |
4-5 min |
4-5 min |
4-5 min |
|
STRONG |
6-7 min |
6-7 min |
6-7 min |
|
We recommend 4-5 min |
|||
|
TEA POT |
18oz (532ml) |
36oz (1064ml) |
48oz (1419ml) |
|
AMOUNT |
2 heaping teaspoons |
1 heaping teaspoon |
2 heaping teaspoons |
|
MILD |
2-3 min |
2-3 min |
2-3 min |
|
MEDIUM |
4-5 min |
4-5 min |
4-5 min |
|
STRONG |
6-7 min |
6-7 min |
6-7 min |
|
We recommend 4-5 min |
|||
|
MILK |
SUGAR |
LEMON |
MINT |
|
NO |
NO |
NO | NO |
Place 6 slightly heaping teaspoons of loose tea or 6 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea or removing the tea bags. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water. (Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.)
Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea or 1 tea bag into a teapot for each serving required. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the tea. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea or removing the bags. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving. Sweeten and/or add lemon to taste. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted. (Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about!)
ANTIOXIDANT BENEFIT: For a greater antioxidant benefit brew longer and use more tea.
FOOD SAFETY ADVISORY: We strongly recommend using filtered or freshly drawn cold water brought to a rolling boil when brewing all types of tea. Today's water has been known to carry viruses, parasites and bacteria. Boiling the water will kill these elements and reduce the potential incidence of water-borne illnesses.
International - Please be sure of duties, and or if the product is allowed to be imported.