What does oolong tea taste like? With its numerous variations, the answer isn’t a simple one.
Oolong tea is a partially oxidized tea from the Camellia sinensis plant. What distinguishes oolong tea from other varieties is its unique oxidation process, which leads to an array of intriguing flavors and aromas.
The oxidation process for oolong tea varies, so you’ll discover a wide range of taste profiles when sampling different oolongs. You can expect a delightful and complex experience when savoring your first cup of oolong from light, floral flavors to more robust, earthy notes.
Now, it’s time to embark on a journey through the flavors of oolong tea. Keep reading to find out more!
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What is Oolong Tea?
Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea that falls between green and black tea in terms of oxidation and flavor. It’s semi-oxidized, which gives it a unique taste and appearance. In this section, you’ll learn more about the fascinating process of making oolong tea, the range of oxidation levels, and some common tea cultivars.
Process
Making oolong tea involves several steps to create its distinctive taste, aroma, and appearance.
- Withering: The freshly harvested tea leaves are spread out to wither for several hours to reduce the moisture content and make the leaves pliable.
- Tossing: The withered leaves are then gently tossed and shaken to bruise the edges of the leaves.
- Oxidation: The degree of oxidation is carefully controlled by the tea maker, who will repeatedly toss and shake the leaves to ensure an even oxidation level.
- Firing: Once the desired oxidation level has been achieved, the leaves are heated to stop the oxidation process. This step also helps to stabilize the flavor and aroma of the tea.
- Rolling: The leaves are then twisted or rolled into tight balls, which helps to release more of the tea’s natural oils and flavor.
- Drying: The rolled leaves are then dried, which removes any remaining moisture and locks in the flavor and aroma. The final appearance of the tea is determined during this stage.
- Sorting and Grading: The dried tea leaves are sorted and graded based on size, shape, color, and overall quality. Higher-quality leaves are often kept whole, while lower-quality leaves might be broken or used for tea bags.
- Packaging: Once sorted and graded, the oolong tea is packaged and prepared for distribution and consumption.
Range of Oxidation Levels
Oolong tea is known for its wide range of oxidation levels, varying from 10% to 70%. This wide range of oxidation explains the diverse flavors, colors, and aromas that oolong tea can have.
Lightly oxidized oolongs, closer to green tea in flavor, will have a delicate floral taste, while darker oolongs, nearing black tea oxidation levels, will have a more robust flavor with hints of fruit and wood.
Roasted Oolongs
Some oolong teas go through a post-production process where the leaves are roasted at low temperatures, for a long period. This results in what is called roasted oolong. This has a large effect on the flavor profile of the tea.
Common Tea Cultivars
Numerous tea cultivars are used to produce oolong tea, each contributing to unique flavors, aromas, and characteristics. These cultivars are often selected based on the tea’s growing region, elevation, and intended flavor profile. Here are some of the notable oolong tea cultivars:
- Jin Xuan (TRES #12 or Milk Oolong): This cultivar is known for its naturally creamy and buttery taste. It’s often used to produce Milk Oolong tea, which has a smooth and mild flavor reminiscent of milk.
- Qing Xin (Green Heart): Qing Xin is a widely cultivated cultivar used for producing various oolong teas. It has a floral aroma and is known for creating teas with a balanced and delicate taste.
- Ruan Zhi (Soft Stem or TRES #17): Ruan Zhi is favored for its aromatic qualities and is used in teas like Tie Guan Yin. It contributes to the tea’s floral and orchid-like fragrance.
- Shui Xian (Narcissus): This cultivar often produces oolong teas with a strong and distinct aroma. It’s known for its sweet, fruity, and sometimes mineral notes.
- Ben Shan: This cultivar is commonly used to produce Dan Cong oolong teas, known for their wide range of flavors, often resembling fruits, flowers, or spices.
- Alishan Jin Xuan: This cultivar is grown in the Alishan region of Taiwan and is a variation of the Jin Xuan cultivar. It’s used to create oolong teas with a smooth and slightly creamy taste, enhanced by the unique climate of the Alishan area.
As you explore the world of oolong tea, you’ll come across many unique flavors and varieties. It’s an exciting journey to discover your favorite types and enjoy the versatility of oolong tea.
What Does Oolong Tea Taste Like?
Lightly Oxidized Oolongs
You’ll likely notice a delicate and floral taste when sipping lightly oxidized oolongs. These teas are usually less roasted and have a fresher, greener flavor. They often present a natural sweetness, like honey, and fruity notes like peach or apricot. Orchid and osmanthus-like fragrances also contribute to their tantalizing aroma. To fully appreciate these teas, take your time to savor the unique layers of flavor.
Medium Roasted Oolongs
As you delve into the world of medium-roasted oolongs, you’ll encounter a more complex flavor profile. These teas are generally richer and more robust than their lightly oxidized counterparts. Roasting imparts a distinct toasty and nutty character to the leaves, adding depth to the flavor. You may even pick up sweet, caramel-like undertones in your cup. Still, the floral and fruity aspects remain slightly present, creating a delightful interplay between tastes.
Dark Roasted Oolongs
If you prefer intense, bold flavors, dark roasted oolongs may be your cup of tea. With higher oxidation and roasting levels, these teas exhibit an even more complex flavor profile. The roasted character dominates, making way for deep chocolate, wood, and sometimes even tobacco-like notes.
Though richness prevails, it doesn’t mean you won’t detect hints of floral and fruitiness – the lingering aftertaste might surprise you with an unexpected sweetness. The dark roast’s depth and intensity make it a remarkable tea to explore your palate’s preferences.
Regional Oolong Teas
Fujian Province
In Fujian Province, you can find popular oolong teas such as the Iron Goddess of Mercy (Tie Guan Yin) and the Wuyi Mountain oolongs. The Iron Goddess of Mercy has a floral, sweet taste with buttery undertones. You can enjoy multiple infusions with this tea, noticing the flavors growing richer and more complex as you go.
On the other hand, the Wuyi Mountain teas are known for their rich, roasted flavors and mineral, earth-like notes. There’s even a hint of dark chocolate in some varieties!
Guangdong Province
Guangdong Province is recognized for its Phoenix Mountain (Feng Huang) oolongs. In this region, you’ll discover oolongs with distinct fruit and floral aromas, reminiscent of orchids or gardenias. When drinking Phoenix Mountain oolongs, your taste buds will also pick up hints of stone fruit, like apricot or peach. They tend to have a sweet, honey-like finish that lingers on your palate.
Taiwan
Taiwanese oolong teas have gained significant popularity over the years. You’ll find oolong teas such as the following:
- Dong Ding Oolong: Grown on Dong Ding Mountain, this oolong has a medium roast that imparts a toasty and nutty flavor. It often features caramel, honey, and orchid notes with a smooth and balanced character.
- Alishan Oolong: Cultivated in the Alishan region, these teas have a delicate and floral aroma. They offer a buttery, creamy taste with hints of lilac, gardenia, and a refreshing sweetness.
- Baozhong (Pouchong): This lightly oxidized oolong is known for its floral fragrance and smooth, delicate taste. It typically has a fresh, grassy quality with a floral sweetness.
- Jin Xuan (Milk Oolong): Originating from Taiwan’s tea research center, this cultivar produces teas with a creamy and milky undertone. The taste is smooth and mellow, offering gentle floral and buttery notes.
- Li Shan Oolong: Grown at high elevations, Li Shan oolongs are characterized by a crisp and clean taste. They often feature a floral bouquet with fruity undertones, creating a refreshing and fragrant cup.
- Dong Fang Mei Ren (Oriental Beauty): This unique oolong undergoes insect or “bug-bitten” oxidation, producing a sweet and honey-like flavor. Notes of ripe fruit and a complex aroma often accompany it.
Enjoy exploring the diverse tastes of oolong teas from these regions, each offering a distinct flavor profile that reflects their unique terroir and processing methods.
Brewing Oolong Tea
Loose Leaf Tea
When brewing oolong tea, it’s recommended to use loose-leaf tea instead of tea bags. This allows the tea leaves to expand fully, resulting in a richer and more complex flavor. To prepare oolong tea:
- Measure approximately 1 teaspoon (or 3 grams) of loose-leaf oolong tea per 8 ounces of water.
- Place the tea leaves in a teapot or tea infuser.
Optimal Water Temperature
The water temperature plays a critical role in extracting the best flavors from oolong tea. Follow these guidelines for heating the water:
- For lighter, greener oolongs: 175-185°F (80-85°C)
- For darker, more oxidized oolongs: 195-205°F (90-96°C)
Once your water is heated to the appropriate temperature:
- Pour the hot water over the tea leaves, making sure they are fully submerged.
Infusions
Oolong tea is known for its ability to be re-infused several times, allowing you to enjoy multiple steeps from a single serving of tea leaves. To do this:
- Allow the tea to steep for the following times:
- First infusion: 1-2 minutes
- Second infusion: 2-3 minutes
- Third and subsequent infusions: Add 1 minute to each additional steep
- Strain the tea to remove the leaves, then enjoy your oolong tea. Remember to increase the steeping time for each subsequent infusion to ensure a flavorful experience every time.
Oolong Tea Beverages
Oolong tea is versatile and can be used to prepare various beverages. We are providing some examples below:
Oolong Milk Tea
This popular Taiwanese drink combines oolong tea with milk and sweetener. It is often served cold and may include toppings such as boba pearls.
Iced Oolong Tea
This is a refreshing drink that is perfect for hot summer days. Simply brew oolong tea, let it cool, and serve it over ice. You can add lemon, honey, or mint for extra flavor.
Oolong Tea Latte
This beverage combines oolong tea with steamed milk and sweeteners like a traditional latte. It can be served hot or iced.
Oolong Tea Cocktail
Oolong tea can be used as a base for various cocktails. For example, you can mix oolong tea with vodka, lemon juice, and honey to create a delicious and refreshing cocktail.
Oolong Tea Smoothie
This healthy and refreshing beverage combines oolong tea with fresh fruit, yogurt, and ice. It can be customized to include your favorite fruits and flavors.
Food Pairings
Oolong tea has a unique flavor profile that can complement various foods. Here are some food pairing ideas to enjoy with oolong tea:
- Spicy Foods: The subtle sweetness of this type of tea can help balance the heat of spicy foods, making it an excellent pairing for dishes like Szechuan cuisine or Thai curries.
- Seafood: Oolong tea’s floral and fruity notes make it a great pairing for seafood dishes, particularly those grilled or poached.
- Roasted Meats: Oolong tea’s complex flavors can complement roasted meats’ rich and savory flavors, such as roasted pork or chicken.
- Cheese: Oolong tea’s subtle sweetness can balance the saltiness of certain cheeses, such as goat cheese or feta.
- Dark Chocolate: This tea’s floral and fruity notes can pair well with dark chocolate’s rich and intense flavors.
- Fruits and Pastries: Oolong tea’s delicate flavor can complement the sweetness of fruits and pastries, making it a great pairing for desserts like fruit tarts or croissants.
Oolong Tea Health Benefits
Here are some of the health benefits of oolong tea:
Weight Loss
Oolong tea may help with weight loss by boosting metabolism and promoting fat burning. Some studies suggest that regular consumption of oolong tea may help with weight management.
Heart Health
Oolong tea has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, as it may help reduce blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels. The antioxidants in oolong tea may also help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to heart disease.
Brain Function
This tea contains caffeine, which can improve alertness and concentration. It also contains theanine, an amino acid that may promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
Bone Health
Some studies suggest that regular consumption of oolong tea may help improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. The polyphenols in oolong tea may also help protect against bone loss.
Cancer Prevention
Lastly, this tea contains antioxidants that may help protect against DNA damage and cell mutations, which can contribute to cancer development. Some studies have also shown that regular consumption of oolong tea may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including breast and ovarian cancer.
Oolong Tea Buying Recommendations
We always recommend buying your tea from a local, specialized tea provider. If this is not possible, here are some recommendations from an online retailer.
The Tao of Tea, Royal Phoenix Oolong Tea
Now that we have answered the question “what does oolong tea taste like,” what are your thoughts about the tea? Hope you have enjoyed the article and learned something new. Happy brewing!
To you, what does oolong tea taste like?