Oolong Tea (乌龙茶)
Oolong tea spans a wide oxidation range from 15% to 85%, creating remarkable diversity from light, floral teas to dark, roasted varieties. The leaves are bruised to initiate oxidation, then heated to halt it at the desired level. Famous oolongs include Tie Guan Yin, Da Hong Pao, Dancong, and Taiwanese high mountain oolongs. Oolong is prized for its complex flavors and excellent re-steeping potential.
Characteristics of Oolong Tea
Processing
Partial oxidation (15-85%) with diverse styles from light and floral to dark and roasted.
Typical Flavors
Floral, fruity, creamy, roasted, mineral
Best Brewing
Higher temperature (85-95°C), multiple steeps, gaiwan or Yixing
Caffeine Level
Moderate to high, varies by oxidation level.
Oolong Tea Subcategories
Phoenix Dancong (凤凰单丛)
Single-bush oolongs from Guangdong with distinct varietal fragrances.
3 teasTaiwan High Mountain (台湾高山茶)
Light, floral oolongs grown above 1000m in Taiwan.
3 teasTie Guan Yin (铁观音)
Famous Anxi oolong with orchid aroma, ranging from light to heavily roasted.
2 teasWuyi Rock Tea (武夷岩茶)
Mineral-rich oolongs from Wuyi Mountains, including Da Hong Pao.
6 teasFamous Oolong Tea Varieties
Must-Try Oolong Tea
Alishan High Mountain Oolong (阿里山乌龙)
Alishan
Lightly oxidized oolong from Taiwan's Alishan mountain range, grown above 1000m. Known for...
Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe) (大红袍)
Wuyi Mountains
The king of Wuyi rock oolongs, legendary for the original mother trees that produced tea worth...
Dong Ding Oolong (冻顶乌龙)
Dong Ding
Traditional Taiwanese oolong with medium roast, offering balance between floral freshness and...
Phoenix Dancong (Mi Lan Xiang) (凤凰单丛蜜兰香)
Phoenix Mountain
Single-bush oolongs from Phoenix Mountain, each tree producing unique aromatic profiles. Mi Lan...
Rou Gui (Cinnamon) (肉桂)
Wuyi Mountains
Popular Wuyi rock oolong known for its distinctive cinnamon-like aroma and spicy character....
Shui Xian (Water Sprite) (水仙)
Wuyi Mountains
Ancient Wuyi cultivar producing smooth, orchid-scented rock oolong. Often aged, developing...
More Oolong Tea to Explore
Oolong Tea Growing Regions
How to Brew Oolong Tea
Gongfu Style
Use 6-8g per 100ml, water at 90-95°C. Quick rinse, then 15-25 second steeps. 7-10 steeps.
Western Style
Use 3g per 200ml, water at 90°C. Steep for 2-3 minutes. 3-4 steeps.
Best Times for Oolong Tea
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