Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Oolong
Where to Buy: Frontier Co-Op
Tea Description:
Oolong (English) or Wu Long (Chinese pinyin translation) tea is a partially oxidized tea and has flavor characteristics of both green and black teas. The fresh leaves are withered for one to two days and the leaves are then rolled to release enzymes (needed for the next step). Then the tea leaves are allowed to oxidize, although for a shorter period than for black tea, and the process is stopped before it is completed. The tea is fired (heated) to prevent further oxidation and to dry the tea. Oolong teas can vary significantly in flavor depending on when the oxidization process is interrupted having more of a green tea character if interrupted early in the process and more black tea character the longer oxidation continues.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
This is nice. It reminds me a bit of an Oolong that might be served at a Chinese restaurant – nothing too fancy, just pure, delicious Oolong goodness.
Se Chung Oolong is a darker Oolong, which means that it has been oxidized for a longer period of time. What I typically notice with the darker Oolong teas is that they tend to have a fruitier profile, while the greener Oolong teas tend to have more of a floral note to them. This is true of this Oolong as well. I taste a hint of sweet, fuzzy peaches in the background.
There is also a roasted, nutty kind of taste to this, as well as a warm earthy tone. Because of this toasty kind of flavor, it gives the peach note an almost caramelized kind of sweetness.
Overall, I find this tea to be light and smooth, not too heavy or overwhelming, which is why I think it makes a good accompaniment to a meal – no powerful taste that will interfere with the flavor of the food. This also makes a delicious iced tea because of its agreeable, amenable kind of taste.
A very pleasant tea, not as fancy as some, but, certainly nice to have on hand for times when you want to just sit and enjoy some refreshing Oolong tea.
