The Beginner's Guide to Brewing Oolong Tea

Are you in search of a tea variety that strikes the perfect balance between green tea's lightness and black tea's robustness? Look no further than Oolong tea—a versatile and flavourful brew that caters to both novice tea enthusiasts and seasoned sippers. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to brew a delicious cup of Oolong tea, ensuring a delightful experience every time. While the perfect cup is ultimately up to your personal preference, we'll provide the essential tips to help you get started.

What is Oolong Tea?

Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea that undergoes partial oxidation, resulting in a diverse range of flavours and aromas. From floral and fruity notes to earthy undertones, Oolong tea offers a sensory journey with each sip. The tea leaves are curled or twisted, with varying degrees of oxidation and roast contributing to its unique taste profile.

Brewing Oolong Tea: A Step-By-Step Guide

Step 1: Start with Quality Oolong Tea Leaves

Begin your Oolong tea brewing journey by selecting high-quality loose tea leaves. Whether you prefer a light and floral Oolong or a rich and roasted variety, the key is to choose leaves that align with your taste preferences.

Step 2: Measure the Tea Leaves

For a Hot Mug: Use a ratio of 1:50 (e.g., 5g to 250ml mug). Adjust the amount based on your desired strength.

Step 3: Warm Your Container

I highly recommend pouring boiling water into your container to warm your pot and mug before starting the brew. This prevents a dramatic drop in water temperature, which can affect the actual brewing temperature.

Step 4: Water Temperature and Steeping Time

Oolong tea's delicate flavours are best extracted with water temperatures ranging from 95°C to 100°C. Steep the tea leaves for 2 to 5 minutes to achieve the perfect balance of taste and aroma. Adjust the time based on your desired strength.

Higher temperatures will reveal the flaws of the tea, so sometimes temperatures below 95°C are suggested by some producers to soften the bitter taste of that teas. We are proud of the quality and craftsmanship of our collections and always recommend boiling water for our tea, especially for our top-range high mountain oolong—Formosa Selection and Lishan Oolong.

Step 5: Embrace the Unfolding Aromas

As the tea leaves unfurl during steeping, take a moment to appreciate the evolving aromas that fill your space. The scents of Oolong tea range from floral to toasty, offering a multisensory experience.

Step 6: Savour the Flavourful Brew

Once the steeping time is complete, strain the tea leaves and pour the brewed Oolong into your favourite teacup. Take a moment to savour the complex flavours that Oolong tea has to offer, allowing each sip to delight your palate.

Step 7: Experiment and Customise Your Brew

Please note that our recommendations, including brewing notes for each tea, are provided as a reference only. Experimenting with different brewing times, amount of loose leaf tea and temperatures will help you find your ideal flavour. The joy of Oolong tea lies in its versatility and the ability to tailor each cup to your personal preference.

Cold Brewing

For Cold Brew: Use a ratio of 1:100, and steep overnight in the fridge for 8 hours or more. This method results in a refreshing and smooth cold tea, perfect for hot days.

Let's Not Forget the Water

The quality of water can significantly affect the taste, aroma, and appearance of your tea. Pure water allows the true flavour of the tea leaves to shine through, while water with high levels of minerals or impurities can mask or alter the tea's natural characteristics. You may find more detail about the choice of water Here.

According to research, ideal water characteristics for Oolong Tea are:

• TDS: 50-150 mg/L

• Hardness: Medium (not too soft, not too hard)

• pH Level: 6.5 to 7

If your local water doesn’t meet the recommended TDS and hardness levels, using bottled water is a good alternative. We suggest using brands such as:

• Waitrose Essential Still Natural Mineral Water (5L)

Conclusion

Brewing Oolong tea is an art but in your own way; it's a ritual that invites you to slow down and enjoy the present moment. Whether you choose a lightly oxidised Oolong for a refreshing pick-me-up or a deeply roasted variety for a cosy evening sip, each cup promises a unique and gratifying tea experience. Embrace the art of Oolong tea brewing, and let its captivating flavours transport you to a world of tranquillity and taste.

So, are you ready to embark on your Oolong tea journey? Grab your teapot, select your favourite Oolong teas, and indulge in the magic of this exceptional tea variety. Happy brewing!

Remember, the secret to a perfect cup of Oolong tea lies in savoring each sip and enjoying the experience in your own way. Cheers to your newfound love for this exquisite tea!

By following these simple steps, you can elevate your tea experience and discover the nuances of Oolong tea—one brewing session at a time. Whether you choose to enjoy it hot or over ice, Oolong tea's versatility and depth of flavour are sure to captivate your senses. Cheers to embracing the art of Oolong tea brewing and savouring each moment of tranquillity it brings to your day.

Stay tuned for more tea-spiration and brewing tips!