Background 

Oolong tea is one of the most delicate tea types in the world. This tea type is not very common like black or green tea, but still it’s quality and sensory profile are appreciated by tea connoisseurs around the world. It’s a semi-oxidized tea, that which means this type of tea is in between black and green  tea. The level of oxidation in oolongs can vary from 8% to 80% depending on the manufacturing style of the tea maker. Therefore, the sensory profile of some oolongs may lean more toward a fresh green tea (less oxidized) and others toward a malty black tea (more oxidized)

History of Oolong Tea 

There are many stories about how oolong tea came into action. 

According to the first story, oolong tea derived directly from the Dragon-Phoenix Cake tribute tea, that was produced two different tea types namelynamed, “Dragon” (Long) and “Phoenix” (Fong), grown in the Beiyuan tea gardens. When loose-leaf tea came into action as the latest method of serving tributes, the name was changed to “Black Dragon” or oolong tea, to associate with the dark, twisted leaves which resulted from this method of manufacturing. 

The second story tells that oolong tea was originally named after the Wuyi mountain range, where it was first documented in poems from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

According to the third story, oolong tea was first found in the Anxi region of the Fujian province of China when a person called Sulong, Wulong or Wuliang. 

Oolong teas became so popular during the Qing dynasty, thanks to the introduction of Ti Quan Yin (Iron Goddess of Mercy), to the emperor Qian Lung, who was amazed by the beauty and style of the tea which that word of it spread in no time. This was also the time when the gongfu ceremonial style of serving teas emerged about and played a vital role in political and modern warfare during this era. Oolongs were generally served out of unique handcrafted teapots made out of purple clay named Yixing teapots. These tea pots were designed to be utilized with one tea type only to season the teapot and to prevent from flavor cross-contamination.

Main Oolong Tea Producing Nations 

Oolong teas are most produced in China and Taiwan.

China

Below are some of the popular oolong teatea growing regions in China, 

1. 1. Wuyi, Fujian, China: Oolong production was first began in the Wuyi Mountain region of Fujian. Rock tea or yan cha, is a variety of oolong with a characteristics of roasted, floral, and sweet tastecharacteristic of roasted, floral, and sweet taste. 
   2. Anxi, Fujian, China: The most popular style of oolong tea from Anxi is Tie Guan Yin (Iron goddess of mercy). 

• Guangdong, China: The Fenghuang or Phoenix mountains in Guangdong produce of Southern China produces some of high qualityhigh-quality oolongs specific to each micro-region. 

Taiwan

Taiwan can be called as “The Island of Oolong Tea”. More than 90% of Taiwan’s tea production is oolongs. The high-mountain (Gao Shan) oolong from Taiwan are is higher in quality and grown 3,000 ft1,000 meters above mean sea level. Jin Xuan and Qin Xin plant cultivars are the most popular in Taiwan. Jin Xuan cultivar is mainly used to produce milk oolong, named for its flavor profile and creamy texture. It is better suited for lower elevations. Qin Xin is more expensive and delicate in taste. This cultivar is grown at the higher elevations.

Biggest Consumers of Oolong Tea 

Most of the oolongs produced in China and Taiwan are consumed inhouse. The remaining volumes are exported mainly to USA, Canada and Western Europe (Germany, France, UK etc.) 

Oolong Tea Manufacture in Brief

Green leaves are weathered, and the leaves are rolled, then allowed to rest and oxidize for a while. Then they’ll be rolled again, then oxidized, again and again. Oolongs are traditionally rolled, twisted or curled into tight balls or thin strands. Most often, mild heat is applied to slow down the oxidation process. Over the course of many hours, Oolong teas are created with a beautiful layering or “painting” of aroma and flavour.

Sensory Profile of Oolong Tea in General 

Oolong teas originally have got much more complex flavor than other tea types. The flavor is very smooth, soft astringency and rich in floral or fruity aroma.

Main Types of Oolong Tea 

Below are some of the most popular types of oolong tea, 

Oriental Beauty 

This is one of the most delicate oolongs from Taiwan. Oriental beauty tea is also known as “white tip oolong tea” or “Champagne oolong”. This tea is a highly oxidized compared to other oolongs and non-roasted. When The Queen Elizabeth II sipped it, she liked oriental beauty tea very much for its pretty tea leaves and great taste and tea was named after Queen as Oriental Beauty Tea. Oriental Beauty Tea is crafted by light fire-baked technology. 

Jade Song Oolong

This is another premium quality oolong from Taiwan, Jade Song has got large, hand-rolled leaves which unfurl to release a nice vegetal character to the brew with a smooth finish. Many infusions can be poured with this classic, aromatic tea which tends greener than dark.

Tie Kuan Yin (Iron Goddess of Mercy) 

This tea is one of the most popular Chinese oolong teas. Well-made Ti Kuan Yin has got a distinctive and highly prized hint of orchid flavor. This type brews up a fragrant, smooth golden-yellow liquor with a floral flavor and a little sweet character.

Milk Oolong

This tea is prized for its milky character and tangy, rich flavor, Milk Oolong is made by hand in the Fujian Province of China. These hand-rolled tea leaves have a rich olive-green color and the cup gets golden-green in color after brewing. This relatively new variety of tea has got. the distinctive, mellow buttery character sought by tea lovers enjoy artisanal oolong teas. 

Ginseng Oolong

Ginseng Oolong has got a classic form of small rolled balls of tea leaves, that are coated with ginseng and mixed with licorice root. This type brews into a naturally floral flavored cup with a hint of spicy character. This tea is very famous in China for its health benefits, and is also called “Emperor Oolong” or “King’s Tea”. 

Caffeine in Oolong Tea 

The caffeine content of oolong tea is vary depending on tea type. There are couple of factors which determine the caffeine content in various oolong tea varieties. First, which season of the year the tea is being plucked. Spring or winter harvested oolongs have got relatively lower caffeine and summer or autumn fall oolongs have the highest. For instance, Jade Oolong tea is plucked during the spring season and lower in caffeine. On the other side, Oriental Beauty is a kind of oolong plucked during the summer and possible to have up to 102mg of caffeine per cup. The other key factor is how the tea is being manufactured. When tea is roasted during the manufacture, the tea will have a lower caffeine content. Teas which are aged longer during manufacturing also has a lower level of caffeine.