How Is Imperial Formosa Oolong Different From Other Teas?

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How Is Imperial Formosa Oolong Different From Other Teas?

Article Description:

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Many tea drinkers are unfamiliar with Imperial Formosa oolong

teas. Oolong teas, in general, are not as well known in the

Western world as other teas, but they are certainly worth

investigating.

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842 Words; formatted to 65 Characters per Line

Distribution Date and Time: 2007-07-03 10:12:00

Written By: Jon M. Stout

Copyright: 2007

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How Is Imperial Formosa Oolong Different From Other Teas?

Copyright © 2007 Jon M. Stout

Golden Moon Tea

http://www.GoldenMoonTea.com

Many tea drinkers are unfamiliar with Imperial Formosa oolong

teas. Oolong teas, in general, are not as well known in the

Western world as other teas, but they are certainly worth

investigating.

Oolong teas are those that are fermented for a shorter period of

time than black teas. This shorter fermentation period creates a

tea that is a bit blacker than green tea, but a bit greener than

black tea. This " middle ground " that is oolong tea produces an

extremely fragrant cup of tea, with slightly more complex flavors

than other teas.

Oolong teas originated, like most other teas, in China many years

ago. Formosa oolongs, however are different than these

traditional Chinese oolong teas. Formosa oolong teas are produced

in Taiwan. They are referred to as Formosa oolong teas because

Formosa was the original name for Taiwan.

Oolong teas are different from other teas in the special

attention that they require for proper processing. Oolong leaves

are plucked by hand, and then allowed to wither and dry. Chinese

oolong teas typically wither in sheds while Formosa oolong teas

are withered and dried in the sun. Then the tea leaves must be

bruised slightly to begin the oxidation process. During this

process, the leaves are often shaken or tumbled on a regular

basis. Once the leaves are appropriately fermented, they are

fired to end the oxidation process. All of these steps must be

attended to by a skilled tea artisan to ensure that the oolong

tea is properly prepared.

Because of the care required to make a good oolong tea, they are

typically made by hand in small tea gardens. High yield,

mechanized tea production doesn't produce fine quality oolong

teas.

Oolong teas have a different flavor than white, black or green

teas because of their shorter fermentation period. Oolong teas

are typically milder than black teas with less of a grassy taste

than green teas. They are typically fragrant with distinct floral

notes and have a fruity flavor, often slightly peachy.

Formosa oolongs are some of the most fragrant and fruity of all

oolong teas. The peach notes are typically very noticeable in

both the aroma and flavor, but it is often blended with woody and

nutty notes. Many people describe Imperial Formosa oolong teas as

having a chestnut flavor. Many people consider oolong teas to

have the most sophisticated and complex flavor of any variety of

tea.

Formosa oolong teas are graded differently than Chinese oolong

teas. The government of Taiwan imposed a standard grading system

for its teas that makes if easy to ensure that you're receiving

a high quality tea. The best grade of Formosa tea is called

" Finest to Choice " and the second highest grade is called

" Finest " . In fact, Formosa oolong teas are some of the easiest to

judge, as the grades really speak to the quality of the tea. By

choosing loose Formosa teas of one of the highest grades, you'll

ensure that you're getting the best quality for the money.

Formosa oolong tea, like other oolong teas is different, too, in

the way that it's brewed. Tradition calls for you to " awaken "

the oolong tea leaves before brewing them. To do this, prepare

your water by boiling it and letting it cool to about 180°F. Pour

a bit of the hot water over the tea leaves, rinsing them and then

quickly pouring off the water. This brings the flavor and aroma

of the tea to life. Then pour more water over the leaves to

actually brew the tea.

Formosa Imperial oolong tea should be brewed only about one

minute. Over brewing this mild tea can cause it to be bitter.

Brewing Imperial Formosa oolong tea with spring water that is

high in mineral content will yield the best tasting tea. The

mineral content in the water brings out the flavor of the tea.

Formosa oolong tea leaves can be used to produce several

infusions of tea. Each infusion will taste just a bit different.

You'll notice that different flavors are prominent with

different infusions. Though each infusion is different, each will

be delicious if you've selected a good quality tea.

Formosa Imperial oolong tea is a very healthy drink. Like all

teas, oolong tea has a very high anti-oxidant content. The

partial fermentation that oolong tea undergoes ensures that it is

very high in the anti-oxidant polyphenol. Polyphenol is a very

powerful anti-oxidant that has been shown, in particular to have

strong powers to prevent heart disease and cancer. In addition,

all oolong teas have been found to be an effective weight loss

supplement. Oolong tea helps speed the metabolism and oxidize

fat, both of which enhance weight loss.

So, Imperial Formosa oolong tea is good and good for you. You'll

find this sophisticated blend of nut, flower and fruit flavors to

be especially pleasing to the palate. Combine this with the fact

that it has the power to prevent disease and help you live a

longer and healthier life and you must agree that Imperial

Formosa oolong tea is one smart choice in beverages.

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Jon M. Stout is Chairman of the Golden Moon

Tea Company. For more information about tea,

(http://www.goldenmoontea.com/greentea)

green tea (http://www.goldenmoontea.com/blacktea)

and black tea go to http://www.goldenmoontea.com