Because oolong tea is only partially fermented, it has a flavor that falls between green tea, which is not fermented at all, and black tea, which is fully fermented.  This means the cup of tea you would enjoy is not as strong and bold as black tea but bolder than a cup of green tea.  In addition, oolong tea has some interesting and complex flavors, as well as a soothing aroma.

Unique Characteristics of Oolong Tea

Initially, oolong tea was discovered and grown in China.  Keep in mind that when comparing Formosa oolong tea with standard oolong tea grown in China, they are different.  The primary difference is that the Formosa varieties are produced and harvested in Taiwan and the name “Formosa” was the original name for “Taiwan”, thus the name of the tea.

You will also find when comparing oolong tea to other types of tea, you would find more differences.  For one thing, the processing method associated with oolong tea is very precise so it requires a highly skilled worker.  Every leaf is hand plucked, after which time the leaves are set aside to wither and dry out.  For Chinese oolong tea, the withering process occurs in sheds.  However, Formosa oolong teas are allowed to wither outside in the sun.

After withering, leaves for oolong tea must be slightly bruised.  With this, the oxidation process begins, which involves the leaves being tumbled or shaken regularly.  After the partial fermentation is complete, the leaves are fired on just one end, which completes the process of oxidation.  Again, each step of processing oolong tealeaves requires specific skill and if not, the tea would not come out right.

Due to the intense level of skill involved in processing oolong leaves, this type of tea is usually grown in smaller tea gardens where everything is done by hand.  Today, some types of teas are not processed through automation but oolong cannot be processed this way or the quality would be poor.

Flavor of Oolong Tea

You would also find that when comparing flavor of oolong tea between loose black tea, loose white tea, or loose green tea, there is a distinct difference.  Usually, oolong varieties are more delicate than you would get from black tea and the grassy flavor associated with green tea is eliminated.  In addition, oolong has a wonderful aroma that has a subtle hint of floral and peach.

Then when you look at Formosa oolong tea, without doubt, this variety offers the greatest fragrance and fruity hint of all oolong tea.  Even the peach notes can be detected easier in the flavor of the tea and fragrance.  However, as in the case of Imperial Formosa Oolong Tea, you would also taste nutty and woody notes.  In fact, people that have tasted Formosa oolong teas agree the flavor is somewhat like chestnut.  Of all tea grown, people agree that oolong is the most complex and sophisticated.

Grading of Formosa Oolong Tea

The way oolong tea is graded differs between Chinese and Taiwan varieties.  In Taiwan, the government has established a grading system that is standard for all tea.  With this, consumers have peace of mind that they are buying only high quality.  If you purchase Formosa oolong tea, varieties graded as “Finest to Choice” is the best with the second best being listed as “Finest.”

Interestingly, Formosa oolong teas are actually very easy to judge with each grade relating specifically to the tea’s quality.  Therefore, if you purchase loose Formosa tea leaves with a Finest to Choice grade, which is the highest, you can be sure that the money you spend would be well worth the quality you get.

Preparing Formosa Oolong Tea

The way Formosa oolong tea is brewed is unique to Chinese Formosa oolong tea.  The goal with Formosa leaves is to awaken them prior to being brewed.  To accomplish this, you would boil purified or bottled water and then allow it to cool down to a temperature of 180 degrees.

Next, only a small amount of the water would be poured over the leaves of this health tea, followed by rinsing them off and pouring off all the water.  With this step, both flavor and fragrance of the tea is awakened.  After that, you would pour more hot water over the leaves so they can steep.

With this type of exotic tea, it is imperative that you not allow the tea to steep longer than one minute since any longer would create a bitter taste.  For the best cup of Imperial Formosa Oolong Tea, we strongly recommend you use mineral water for the best quality in that this actually enhances the flavor and aroma of this type of tea.

The great thing about Formosa oolong leaves is that they can be infused multiple times.  Although you would notice a slightly different taste for each infusion, they are all delicious.  In addition, the flavors vary in prominence with each infusion but while different, choosing quality oolong tea from any of the reputable tea companies would ensure an amazing beverage.

Health Benefits of Formosa Oolong Tea

In addition to being delicious and aromatic, Imperial Formosa Oolong Tea is also healthy.  Just as with the best green tea, black tea, and white tea, remember that oolong tea also contains antioxidants.  Since this type of tea is only partially fermented, the level of antioxidants is actually quite high.  Therefore, one antioxidant in particular called Polyphenol is powerful and studies show that it can prevent and fight heart disease and cancer.

Other benefits of drinking oolong tea includes helping with weight loss by speeding up the body’s metabolism and oxidizing fat.  Therefore, people trying to drop unwanted pounds could drink oolong tea daily and see quicker results.

The bottom line is that Imperial Formosa Oolong Tea is delicious to drink and healthy at the same time.  With the sophisticated flavors, nutty, woody, flora, and fruity, it is a wonderful tea to enjoy.  Then when you consider the incredible healing properties, just imagine living a long, healthy life simply by sipping on a wonderful cup of Imperial Formosa Oolong Tea.