In this article, we explore the different types of oolong tea!
Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea that is partially oxidized, giving it a unique taste and aroma that sets it apart from other types of tea.
This tea is known for its complex flavors, ranging from floral and fruity to nutty and earthy. There are many types of oolong tea, each with its characteristics and flavor profile. Below, we highlight some of the most popular styles. Plus, we provide a lot of insight into this tasteful tea.
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History of Oolong Tea
There is plenty of information about the origin of tea (which was initially consumed as green tea) but not that much, particularly about oolong and black teas (it seems there is no consensus on how they originated).
Several sources trace the origins of oxidized teas (oolong is partially oxidized) to the Ming Dynasty, which ruled China from 1368 to 1644. In this case, it is believed these types of tea were accidentally discovered when some tea leaves were left to wither and oxidize for an extended period.
Again, little information exists on how the oolong tea process was developed. But, we know Anxi County in Fujian province became known for producing some of the best oolong teas in China.
In the 19th century, oolong tea was introduced to Taiwan by Fujianese immigrants. The tea quickly became popular in Taiwan, and Taiwanese oolongs are now highly regarded in the tea world. Sri Lanka and Vietnam also produce oolong teas, but they are not as well-known as Chinese and Taiwanese oolongs.
Oolong tea was introduced to the Western world in the 19th century and quickly gained popularity. Today, oolong tea is enjoyed by tea lovers all over the world.
Types of Oolong Tea
Chinese Oolongs
China is the birthplace of oolong tea, and it boasts several main regions where this beloved tea is grown and processed. Each of these regions has its distinctive oolong teas, influenced by factors like climate, soil, and traditional tea-making techniques.
Here are the main places in China known for their oolong tea production:
Wuyi Mountains, Fujian Province
Wuyi oolongs, also known as Yancha or “rock oolongs,” are a prestigious category of teas from the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian Province. These teas are celebrated for their terroir, complex flavors, and deep historical roots.
The Wuyi Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for their rugged, rocky terrain, mineral-rich soil, and unique microclimates. The rocky environment contributes significantly to the distinctive characteristics of Wuyi oolongs.
The most famous teas from the area include the following:
- Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe): Arguably the most famous Wuyi oolong, Da Hong Pao is named after its legendary status and the large, dark leaves of the tea bushes. It’s known for its rich flavor with mineral and roasted notes.
- Shui Jin Gui (Golden Water Turtle): This oolong boasts a balanced flavor profile with a combination of floral, fruity, and mineral notes. The leaves of Shui Jin Gui are typically dark and twisted.
- Tie Luo Han (Iron Arhat): Tie Luo Han oolong has a strong and bold taste with a distinct mineral and roasted character. It’s prized for its full-bodied nature and complex aroma.
- Bai Ji Guan (White Rooster Crest): Bai Ji Guan stands out for its large, distinctively shaped leaves and a taste profile that includes sweet, fruity, and nutty notes with a slight spiciness.
- Shui Xian: The name of this tea translates to “Water Sprite” due to its water-like infusion color. It has a robust, roasted flavor with hints of orchid and fruitiness.
- Rou Gui: This oolong tea has a distinct cinnamon fragrance. It offers a warm, spicy taste with notes of dried fruit and a lingering sweetness.
Wuyi oolongs are often roasted over charcoal or wood fires. The roasting process is essential in developing their signature smoky and mineral characteristics. Different levels of roasting can result in varying flavor profiles.
Anxi County, Fujian Province
Anxi County has a rich history of oolong tea production, and it is particularly famous for producing Tie Guan Yin, one of the most celebrated oolongs in China.
Tie Guan Yin is typically a lightly oxidized oolong tea, meaning the leaves are only partially allowed to oxidize before they are processed further. This preserves the tea’s greenness while still developing a nuanced flavor profile.
Tie Guan Yin is known for its orchid-like floral aroma, often accompanied by notes of lilac, honeysuckle, and a subtle vegetal sweetness. It has a refreshing, slightly creamy taste and a lingering, smooth finish.
Huang Jin Gui, or “Golden Osmanthus,” is another prominent oolong produced in Anxi. It has a sweet, fruity taste with hints of apricot and a refreshing finish.
Anxi County also produces other oolong teas. These teas can vary in oxidation level and processing techniques, leading to diverse flavor profiles.
Phoenix Mountain, Guangdong Province
Oolong teas from Guangdong Province, located in southern China, offer a distinct flavor profile and are known for their processing methods. Guangdong is renowned for producing Dancong oolong teas, which are highly prized for their floral and fruity aromas and complex and nuanced flavors.
Dancong is a general term used to refer to oolongs from the Phoenix Mountain. The mountain’s unique terroir, rich soil, and subtropical climate contribute to the exceptional qualities of these teas.
Dancong oolongs are made from various tea cultivars, each with its own aroma and flavor profile. The most famous Dancong cultivars include Milan Xiang (Honey Orchid Fragrance), Rougui (Cinnamon), and Huang Zhi Xiang (Yellow Gardenia Fragrance).
The defining characteristic of Dancong oolongs is their intense and captivating aroma. These teas are known for mimicking the scents of various flowers, fruits, and other natural fragrances. Depending on the cultivar, you may encounter notes of honey, orchids, osmanthus, almonds, peaches, and more.
Taiwanese Oolongs
Taiwan is renowned for its high-quality oolong teas grown and processed in several distinct regions across the island. Here are some of the different types of Taiwanese oolongs:
High Mountain Oolongs
- Ali Shan: Grown in the Ali Shan (Alishan) region, these high mountain oolongs are celebrated for their floral fragrance, creamy texture, and sweet, orchid-like notes. The misty, high-altitude conditions contribute to their unique flavors.
- Li Shan: Even higher in elevation than Ali Shan, Li Shan oolongs are known for their exquisite clarity, vibrant floral aroma, and complex, lingering aftertaste. They are often considered among the finest teas in Taiwan.
- Shan Lin Xi: This region produces oolongs with a well-balanced flavor profile, combining floral notes with a crisp, refreshing character. Shan Lin Xi oolongs are appreciated for their versatility and consistent quality.
Baozhong Oolong
Baozhong oolong sometimes referred to as “Pouchong” in Taiwan, is known for its gentle, greenish oolong flavor. It is lightly oxidized, resulting in a refreshing, vegetal taste with a hint of floral sweetness. Pinglin is a famous area for Baozhong production.
Dong Ding Oolong
Grown in the Dong Ding Mountain area, these oolongs are characterized by their medium roast, which imparts a toasty, nutty aroma and a rich, full-bodied flavor. Dong Ding oolongs offer a balance between green and roasted oolongs.
Oriental Beauty (Dong Fang Mei Ren)
This unique oolong is known for its natural sweetness, fruity notes, and complex flavor. It is produced from leaves affected by the tea green leafhopper, contributing to its distinct flavor profile. Dong Fang Mei Ren is grown in various regions across Taiwan.
Jin Xuan (Golden Daylily) Oolong
Jin Xuan is a tea cultivar known for its creamy and buttery mouthfeel. The oolongs made from Jin Xuan leaves often have a milky or buttery note in their taste. This cultivar is widely used for producing flavored oolongs like “Milk Oolong.”
The terms Jin Xuan and Milk Oolong are pretty much used interchangeably. However, other Taiwanese oolongs are exhibiting milky-buttery characteristics.
Si Ji Chun (Four Seasons Spring) Oolong:
Si Ji Chun oolongs are celebrated for their versatility and reliability. A floral aroma and a sweet, mild flavor characterize them. This cultivar is popular among both growers and tea drinkers.
Other Oolongs
Some oolong tea is produced in countries like Thailand and Vietnam. While these countries are not as well-known for oolong as China or Taiwan, they have been experimenting with oolong tea production and are gaining recognition for their offerings.
Oolong Tea Processing
Oolong tea is a semi-oxidized tea that falls between green and black tea. Here’s a breakdown of the main steps involved in oolong tea processing.
Withering
After the tea leaves are picked, they are left to wither in the sun or a well-ventilated room. This process removes moisture from the leaves, making them more pliable for rolling. Withering can take a few hours to a few days, depending on the desired withering level.
Tossing
The withered leaves are then gently tossed and shaken to bruise the edges of the leaves.
Oxidation
The oxidation process is what determines the level of oxidation in oolong tea. This process involves exposing the tea leaves to oxygen, which causes them to turn brown. The level of oxidation can vary depending on the desired flavor profile of the tea. Some oolong teas are lightly oxidized, while others are heavily oxidized.
Fixation
Once the desired oxidation level has been achieved, the leaves are heated to stop oxidation. This step also helps to stabilize the flavor and aroma of the tea.
Rolling
Then, the leaves are rolled to release the enzymes and essential oils. Rolling also helps shape the leaves into the desired form. There are two main types of rolling: hand-rolling and machine-rolling. Hand-rolling is a more traditional method still used today, while machine-rolling is a more efficient method commonly used in commercial production.
Drying and Roasting
The rolled leaves are then dried, which removes any remaining moisture and locks in the flavor and aroma. In the case of oolong tea, the drying can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. This extended period of drying is seen as roasting or firing the tea. This particular step of the process is one of the aspects that differentiates oolong tea from other types of tea.
Tea Brewing and Packaging
Gong Fu Brewing Method
The Gong Fu brewing method is recommended if you want to enjoy the full flavor of oolong teas. This method involves using a small teapot (Yixing clay teapot) and brewing the tea in multiple short infusions. This brewing method ensures the best taste. Here’s how you can do it:
- Preheat your teapot and cups by rinsing them with hot water.
- Add the tea leaves to the teapot. The amount of tea leaves will depend on the size of your teapot, but a general guideline is 1-2 teaspoons of leaves for every 6-8 ounces of water.
- Pour hot water over the tea leaves and immediately pour it out. This helps to rinse the tea leaves and awaken their flavor.
- Refill the teapot with hot water and steep it for about 20-30 seconds.
- Pour the tea into your cups and enjoy the fragrant aroma and delicate taste.
- Repeat steps 4 and 5 for multiple infusions, gradually increasing the steeping time with each infusion. You can increase each infusion’s steeping time by 10 to 20 seconds.
Please pay attention to the last step. You can (and should) infuse your oolong tea multiple times. Please make the most out of it!
Gaiwan Brewing Method
You can use a gaiwan to brew tea as well. A gaiwan is a traditional Chinese tea vessel that allows you to control your tea’s temperature and steeping time. Here’s how to use it:
- Warm the gaiwan and tea cups with hot water,
- Add the tea leaves to the gaiwan. Use 1-2 teaspoons of leaves for every 6-8 ounces of water.
- For heavily roasted oolongs, pour hot water over the tea leaves and immediately pour it out. This helps to rinse the tea leaves and awaken their flavor.
- Slowly pour water over the leaves till the rim of the gaiwan.
- Add the lid and steep for 20-30 seconds.
- Pour the tea into teacups. While doing this, hold the gaiwan with your thumb and middle finger. Secure the lid with the index finger.
- Repeat the process with multiple infusions.
Western Style Brewing
If you prefer to brew tea using Western methods, start by heating the water. Put one teaspoon of tea leaves into a tea infuser or strainer and place it in a cup. Pour the hot water over the leaves and let it steep for about 3-4 minutes. Remove the infuser or strainer, and enjoy your tea.
Ideal Water Temperature
The water temperature plays a crucial role in brewing this tea. If the water is too hot, it can burn the delicate tea leaves and ruin the flavor. On the other hand, if the water is too cold, it may not extract the full flavor of the tea leaves. Here’s the ideal water temperature for brewing this particular tea:
- Bring fresh, cold water to a boil.
- Let it cool down for 2-3 minutes until the water temperature reaches around 190-200°F (88-93°C).
- Pour the hot water over the tea leaves and let it steep for the desired time.
Remember to use fresh, cold water that is free of any impurities. Avoid tap water if possible, as it may contain chlorine or other chemicals that can affect the taste of your tea.
Packaging
Regarding packaging, Oolong tea is often sold in airtight, resealable bags or tins to help preserve its flavor and aroma. Look for packaging labeled as “airtight” or “vacuum-sealed” to ensure the tea stays fresh for as long as possible.
Health Benefits of Oolong Tea
Drinking oolong tea can have many health benefits. Here are some of the ways that oolong tea can help improve your health:
- Antioxidants: Oolong tea is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. This can help reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
- Weight Management: Oolong tea can help with weight management by boosting your metabolism and reducing fat absorption. It can also help reduce your appetite and increase your energy levels.
- Heart Health: Oolong tea can help improve your heart health by reducing your risk of developing high blood pressure and lowering your cholesterol levels.
- Anxiety and Insomnia: Oolong tea contains theanine, an amino acid that can help reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
- Amino Acids: Oolong tea contains amino acids like theanine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which can help reduce stress and improve brain function.
- Vitamins: Oolong tea is a good source of vitamins like A, C, and E.
- Polyphenols, Catechins, and Flavonoids: Oolong tea is rich in polyphenols, catechins, and flavonoids, all potent antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Comparisons with Other Teas
In this section, we’ll compare oolong tea to other types of tea so you can get a better idea of what sets it apart.
Black Tea
Black tea is one of the most popular types of tea in the world. It’s known for its bold, robust flavor and dark color. Compared to oolong tea, black tea is much stronger and more full-bodied. It’s also higher in caffeine, making it a good choice for those who need a little pick-me-up in the morning.
Green Tea
Green tea is a lighter, more delicate tea than black tea. It’s known for its grassy, vegetal flavor and light color. Compared to oolong tea, green tea is much milder and less complex. It’s also lower in caffeine, making it a good choice for those sensitive to caffeine.
White Tea
White tea is the lightest and most delicate tea of all. It’s known for its sweet, floral flavor and pale color. Compared to oolong tea, white tea is even milder and less complex. It’s also very low in caffeine, making it a good choice for those who want to avoid caffeine altogether.
Yellow Tea
Yellow tea is a rare and expensive tea similar to green tea. It’s known for its smooth, mellow flavor and light color. Compared to oolong tea, yellow tea is slightly milder and less complex.
Dark Tea
Dark tea, also known as pu-erh tea, is a fermented tea known for its earthy, rich flavor. Dark tea is much more robust and full-bodied than oolong tea. It’s also higher in caffeine, making it a good choice for those needing extra energy.
Types of Oolong Tea: Recommendations
We have presented several types of oolong tea. Furthermore, we have provided insight into the production and brewing processes. I know this is a lot of information. However, if you are interested in trying oolong tea, please consider the recommendations below.
Premium Fujian Wuyi Da Hong Pao
Yan Hou Tang Jin Xuan Milk Oolong Tea
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different varieties of oolong tea?
There are many varieties of oolong tea, each with its unique flavor and aroma. Some popular types include Tie Guan Yin, Da Hong Pao, and Oriental Beauty. Each variety is made using a different processing method, which gives it its distinct taste and aroma.
What are the health benefits of drinking oolong tea?
Oolong tea has many health benefits, including boosting metabolism, reducing the risk of heart disease, and improving brain function. It is also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body against damage from free radicals.
What are the differences between light and dark oolong tea?
Light oolong tea is less oxidized than dark oolong tea, which gives it a lighter, more delicate flavor. On the other hand, dark oolong tea is more oxidized, giving it a stronger, more robust flavor. The level of oxidation can also affect the color of the tea, with lighter oolong teas having a greener color and darker oolong teas having a more reddish-brown color.
What should I consider when choosing oolong tea?
When choosing oolong tea, there are a few things to consider. First, consider the flavor you prefer. Do you like a light, delicate flavor or a stronger, more robust flavor? Next, consider the level of oxidation you prefer. Light oolong teas are less oxidized and have a lighter flavor, while dark oolong teas are more oxidized and have a stronger flavor. Finally, consider the origin of the tea. Different regions produce different varieties of oolong tea, each with its unique flavor profile.
Can oolong tea be used for making milk tea?
Yes, oolong tea can be used for making milk tea. Oolong milk tea is a popular drink in many parts of the world. To make oolong milk tea, brew a strong cup and mix it with milk and sweetener to taste.
To me, oolong tea is a treat. I hope the article has given you a better understanding of the types of oolong tea and a desire to try several of them.
What are your favorite types of oolong tea?