Since oolong tea originates in China and the country still products most of the oolong tea enjoyed around the world, few people think of this type of tea from coming from any country. However, Taiwan also produces a variety of oolong tea called Imperial Formosa, which is delicious and worth tasting.
Second only to China, Taiwan produces a large amount of oolong tea and in fact, they grow some of the finest in the world. While there are different varieties, Imperial Formosa is by far the most enjoyable, which is delicate but also full-flavored.
This type of exotic tea offers an amazing flavor and aroma. While the flavor is more complex than you would find with other types of oolong, even green tea, the floral note of peach coupled with chestnut and cedar is unbeatable. The taste of Imperial Formosa has a subtle sweetness yet mild. Since this tea is full bodied and light at the same time, drinking it offers a unique experience you would not get with other types of healthy tea.
Finding Imperial Formosa Oolong Tea
Finding this type of oolong tea can be somewhat difficult since it is considered more of a rare tea. In addition, you would expect to pay more and depending on the tea companies you shop from, the price could be high. The reason is that Imperial Formosa requires more work to produce, which justifies the higher price.
In fact, when looking at Chinese herbal teas, you will find that Imperial Formosa is even more costly than you would pay for Chinese oolong tea simply because the cost to hire laborers in Taiwan is much greater than the cost of workers in China.
Whether you buy tea online or at a local store selling specialty teas, you should be able to get Imperial Formosa but it might need to be special ordered. Even if you need to wait for delivery, it would be well worth it.
Brewing Imperial Formosa
Even the brewing process of Imperial Formosa is different from other types of white tea. For this, you want to run hot water from the tap into both the cups you will be drinking from and the teapot. The best type of teapot for this type of herbal tea is a Yixing clay teapot. Once you have run the hot water, add only cold, purified or mineral spring water into the pot, bringing it to a full boil. At that point, take the teapot off the burner, allowing the water to cool down to 180 degrees. Then, use one full teaspoon of tea per cup.
With Imperial Formosa, you also need to bring the leaves to life. For this, pour a small amount of hot water over the leaves, which helps to rinse them off, followed by pouring the water off quickly. At that time, you can then add more hot water to fill the cup, steeping the tea for only one minute. Remember, if you brew oolong, loose green tea, loose black tea, and other varieties too long, the flavor becomes bitter.
Infusing Imperial Formosa
If you purchase quality Imperial Formosa oolong tea, it can be infused up to five times, which means using the same leaves. Therefore, while you would pay more money initially, considering that you get more out of the leaves it actually cuts the price down. Interesting, both flavors and aromas you experience with each infusion is slightly different but still distinct and delicious.
With Imperial Formosa, it is best enjoyed naturally without adding milk or sugar although you could if you wanted. This tea is simply delicious without additions and it can be enjoyed to unwind or for entertaining friends with snack foods. In fact, many people in Asia will use oolong tea along with fresh fruit, finger sandwiches, soups, and salads for entertainment.
Serving Imperial Formosa with Food
Some of the favorite types of food that go well with Imperial Formosa oolong tea include seafood, especially scallops, lobster, and shrimp. However, this type of tea is also wonderful with poultry, particularly dishes made with heavy cream sauces.
Numerous countries have a culture whereby tea is made specially to compliment a meal, choosing the exact variety based on the type of food being served. This would be equivalent to people In the United States choosing wine for a meal.
Remember, if you want the perfect tea, one that would go with meals or even dessert such as banana pudding, key lime pie, or pound cake, you cannot go wrong in choose Imperial Formosa oolong tea from Taiwan.
Once you taste the flavor and smell the aroma, you will fall in love with this tea. While most people drink oolong tea hot, it also makes an exceptional cold beverage without losing any of its flavor but you want to be sure the tea is cooled before adding ice to the glass. Otherwise, the hot tea would cause the ice to melt, thereby diluting the tea. Since the flavor of Imperial Formosa oolong tea is already delicate, you would not want this to happen.
Although the majority of people in the world have not yet had the privilege of tasting Imperial Formosa oolong tea, once they do, it will quickly become a favorite. With the delicate texture and complex flavors, it is the ideal tea for everyone.
