Oolong tea is one of the world's most versatile teas, with a flavour between green and black tea. It is a semi-oxidised tea that can range from light and floral to rich, roasted and complex depending on how long the leaves are allowed to oxidise and how they are roasted. The most famous oolong teas come from Fujian and Guangdong in China, as well as Taiwan, where traditional methods have been developed over hundreds of years. In our range, you'll find carefully selected premium oolong teas from some of the world's most respected growing regions - from aromatic Tie Guanyin and elegant Taiwanese high-mountain teas to characterful Fenghuang Dancong.
The history of oolong tea dates back to the Ming dynasty in the Fujian province of China. The name oolong often means “black dragon” and refers to the shape and movement of the tea leaves during the manufacturing process.
From Fujian, the knowledge of oolong spread to other regions, notably Guangdong and Taiwan. Today, some of the world's most famous oolong teas are produced in these areas, where the climate, altitude and soil create unique conditions for tea cultivation.
How oolong tea is made
The production of oolong tea is more complex than for most other teas. The process requires great precision and experience to achieve the right balance between oxidation and roasting.
The traditional manufacturing process involves several steps:
withering of tea leaves in sun and shade
shaking or gentle processing to start the oxidation
rolling the leaves to shape them and release aromas
controlled oxidation
roasting that develops depth and complexity of flavour
Stopping oxidation at exactly the right time creates the characteristic flavour profile of oolong tea. The flavour can therefore vary greatly depending on how long the leaves are allowed to oxidise and how they are roasted.
Low oxidised oolong teas
Low-oxidised oolong teas are often light in the cup and have a fresh, floral aroma. These teas are particularly common in Taiwan, where highland farms produce elegant and aromatic oolong teas.
In our range you will find, for example, Taiwanese oolong teas such as:
Tie Guanyin
Si Ji Chun
Hehuan Shan 2200 m
These teas are often characterised by soft floral notes, fresh fruitiness and an elegant texture.
More oxidised and roasted oolong teas
More oxidised or roasted oolong teas often have a fuller body and more complex aromas. Flavours of honey, stone fruit, caramel, cocoa or roasted nuts can be found here.
Classic examples of this style are Chinese oolong teas such as:
Da Hong Pao
Fenhuang Dancong
Oriental Beauty
Himalayan Bouquet
These teas represent some of the most classic oolong styles from China.
Fenghuang Dancong - aromatic oolong teas
A particularly prized type of Chinese oolong tea is Fenghuang Dancong from Guangdong. These teas are known for their intense aromas, often reminiscent of flowers or fruit.
Our range includes several examples of this style:
Fenghuang Dancong Night Fragrance
Phoenix Honey Orchid
Thunder Wood Fenghuang Dancong
These teas are appreciated for their aromatic and complex flavour profiles.
Oolong tea can be brewed several times
One of the most appreciated characteristics of oolong tea is that the leaves can often be brewed several times. With each infusion, the leaves open up more and new nuances in flavour emerge.
This makes oolong a tea particularly suited to traditional gongfu brewing, but it works equally well in a regular teapot.
Discover our range of oolong teas
We offer a wide selection of oolong teas from different origins and styles. The range includes, among others:
classic Chinese oolong teas
aromatic Fenghuang Dancong
Taiwanese high-mountain loons
exciting origins like Himalayan Bouquet from Nepal and Balyocha from South Korea
Whether you prefer a light and floral oolong tea or a more roasted and full-bodied tea, here's your chance to explore one of the world's most fascinating tea categories.
