Your guide to oolong tea
Hey,
We’ve been getting some of questions lately about the main differences between our oolong teas. So, I thought I’d take a minute to answer the big question…
What’s the difference between our different types of oolong tea?
Great question.
First off let’s define oolong. Oolong tea is a semi-oxidized tea. It’s somewhere between green tea and black tea.
The main difference between our green oolong, dark oolong, and roasted oolongs have to do with oxidation and roasting.
Oxidation is a natural process. Tea leaves are agitated and oxygen interacts with the leaves. The more oxidation, the darker the tea.
Oxidation levels are roughly:
- White Teas: 0% - 5%
- Green Tea: 5% - 15%
- Oolong Tea: 15% - 85%
- Black Tea: 85% - 100%
Roasting removes all the moisture and “toasts” the leaves. It’s a very specialized skill that’s time consuming and labor intensive. Tea roasters seek to enhance the flavor profile in the roasting process.
Here’s a diagram to explain where green oolongs, dark oolongs, and roasted oolongs fit in:
Green oolongs have low oxidation and low roasting. They have flavors of pine, hibiscus, citrus, sweet pea, fresh cut grass, and jasmine. These are perfect for people who love fresh, light, aromatic, and hydrating teas.
>>>Click here to see our selection of green oolongs
Roasted oolongs are generally higher oxidation and higher roasting. They can be roasted under different woods for different flavors. These have flavors of honey, plum, chestnuts, cinnamon, caramel and chocolate. They are perfect for colder evenings. And a great choice for people who love woody, smoky, complex flavors.
>>>Click here to see our selection of roasted oolongs
Dark oolongs have higher oxidation and varied roasting. They are called “Red Oolongs” in the East. They have flavors of baked apples, grapes, molasses, honey, brandy, cocoa and walnut. These are perfect for those with a sophisticated palate, who also enjoy fine whiskey or dark chocolate.
>>>Click here to see our selection of dark oolongs
As you can see, not all oolong teas are created (or taste) equal. There are a wide variety of flavors.
I prefer dark or roasted oolongs during cold and rainy nights. And I love green oolongs during warm days.
I hope this clarifies any questions you had. If you have any other questions about our teas, just reply to this email and let us know!
>>>If you want to see all our teas, click here
Talk soon,
Mountain Tea Co.
