Preparing Oolong tea correctly is an art. While the ritual can be very detailed and complex, enjoying Oolong tea on a daily basis can be simple and very enjoyable.
Oolong tea originates from the mountains of the Chinese province of Fujian, and today it is produced in both China and Taiwan (Formosa). Oolong tea leaves are partially fermented leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, and are always whole tea leaves. Chinese oolong teas tend to be much less fermented than their Taiwanese cousins, therefore paler than the latter which are darker and more intense. Like white tea, Oolong tea has multiple health benefits, including reduced cholesterol and protection from cancer and diabetes.
This article provides easy-to-read passages and practical illustrations.
Ingrediants
- High quality Oolong tea of known and safe provenance
- Boiling water (pure and / or filtered)
Steps
Step 1. Bring the water to a high boil, then rinse and heat the tea set
Step 2. Arrange the Oolong tea leaves in the teapot
The tea leaves should take up about 5% of the space in the teapot.
Step 3. Pour the boiling water (100ºC) into the teapot
Step 4. Use the lid to repel the white bubbles on the surface
Step 5. Cover the teapot and let the tea steep for a couple of minutes
Pour the liquid into the cups. Distribute the aroma and taste evenly between the cups, pouring small, gradual doses for each serving.
Step 6. The last few drops will be the richest in flavor
Therefore they must be distributed carefully and evenly between the cups. The distribution method of Oolong teas are real lessons of fairness.
Step 7. Smell the aroma of your tea and observe its color
Step 8. Enjoy your tea while it is still warm
Smell its aroma first, then sip it. Smell, pause, sip, pause, smell, pause, sip … The pleasure will be endless.
