Formosa Oolong

Discover the Essence of Oolong Tea: Oolong, meaning "Black Dragon" in Chinese ('wu-long'), is a captivating semi-fermented tea.

After skillful rolling, the leaves undergo a controlled fermentation until their edges turn a warm shade of brown. The firing process halts fermentation, capturing the intriguing character that defines Oolong tea. In Taiwan, the art of crafting Oolong involves expertly controlling the withering, oxidation, and firing, resulting in distinct varieties with their own aromatic profiles, flavors, colors, and finishes.

The finest Oolongs hail from Taiwan (Formosa), where short-fired Oolongs offer a delightful peach-like essence with refreshing fruity and herbaceous notes, while long-fired Oolongs develop baked nuances and present themselves in rich amber infusions.

It's noteworthy that the making of Oolong tea in Taiwan is regarded as a precious art, requiring years of training and expertise. From nurturing seedlings to selecting the optimal time for plucking, tea farmers carry forward a legacy passed down through generations. It is this devotion, combined with the unique character of Taiwan's tea leaves, that gives rise to the exceptional quality Oolong teas for which the island is renowned.

Fun Fact: During the tumultuous years of the Second World War, Taiwan's tea production experienced significant expansion to meet Japan's rising demand, supplementing their own domestic production.