Thistle Dew! Farms, Teas 'n Bees

Oolong Teas

All Teas are shipped in a re-sealable foil 1 ounce/12-15 cup bag. A Beautiful glass jar is available for $2.00, the jar holds 2 ounces or 2 packets of tea.  The Tilt Jar includes a description and preparation label, and is topped with a metal screw cap lid.

In contrast to black teas, which are fully oxidized, and green teas, which are not oxidized, oolongs are semi-oxidized. Like black teas, oolongs are first withered for several hours to soften the leaves. Then the leaves are alternately oxidized and fired several times by various methods, which may include shaking in baskets or walking on leaves that have been placed in cloth bags. When the desired amount of oxidation is reached, which can vary significantly, the leaves are fired at high temperatures to destroy the enzymes that contribute to oxidation. Because some oolongs are more oxidized than others, the flavor of oolongs can vary from near-black to quite green. The best oolongs are still all hand-made and have a lovely fruity/flowery aroma and a delicate sweetness.

Oolong teas should be brewed around 90 to 100 °C (194 to 212 °F), and again the brewing vessel should be warmed before pouring in the water. Yixing purple clay teapots are the traditional brewing-vessel for oolong tea. For best results use spring water, as the minerals in spring water tend to bring out more flavor in the tea. High quality oolong can be brewed multiple times from the same leaves, and unlike green tea it improves with reuse. It is common to brew the same leaves three to five times, the third steeping usually being the best.

Bai Hao White Tip Oolong

$ 18.00 USD

This Oolong from Taiwan has been a big hit with everyone who has tried it. It has the pleasantly sweet, toasty flavor of many Formosa Oolongs and a distinctly fruity note reminiscent of peaches. Try it as an exotic, unsweetened iced tea. Infuse it two or three times to get as much three or four quarts of iced tea out of 1/2 oz of loose tea. Use two teaspoons per cup and steep 3 minutes in nearly boiling water.

 

Champagne Formosa Oolong Tea

$ 18.00 USD

Champagne Formosa Oolong is from Taiwan (Formosa) and is a rare, entirely hand-made Oolong. Blacker than most oolongs, it brews to a golden amber with a remarkably sweet, smooth taste. Use 2 teaspoons per cup and steep 3-4 minutes in near boiling water.

 

Da Hong Pao Oolong Tea

$ 10.00 USD

Da Hong Pao Oolong (aka, "Big Red Robe") has a legendary history, reportedly having cured the mother of an Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, after which the Emperor sent large red robes to cloak the plants. Three of the original plants are reported to still exist and tea produced from them have sold for hundreds of dollars an ounce. In recent years, cuttings from these plants have been used to produce more reasonably priced varieties, resulting in this tea we now offer. Da Hong Pao is a lightly roasted Oolong similar to many Formosas, with a subtle rich, sweet flavor common to darker Oolongs. Use one heaping teaspoon per cup and steep 3 minutes in nearly boiling water.

 

Fine Ti Kuan Yin Oolong Tea

$ 7.00 USD

Surpassing the quality of the commonly available budget Ti Kuan Yins, this grade from the Chinese Anxi County is a terrific value. Don't be fooled by the low price. Its golden-yellow liquor is smooth and fragrant, carrying a refreshing, fruity aroma as well as the sought-after orchid-like flavor. A sweet smokiness not usually found in Ti Kuan Yins adds a pleasant and surprising depth. Use one heaping teaspoon per cup and steep 2 minutes in near boiling water.

 

Formosa Oolong

$ 8.00 USD

Finally, an affordable oolong in a darker brew! Good body and strength with a hint of sweetness make Formosa Oolong a great everyday choice. Brews to a lovely light copper. Use one heaping tsp. per cup and brew 3 minutes in steaming water.

 

Monkey-Picked Ti Kuan Yin Oolong Tea

$ 44.00 USD


Monkey-Picked Ti Kuan Yin Oolong Tea is processed according to traditional techniques for Oolong, this Ti Kuan Yin was oxidized "three hong (red) to seven lu (green)," meaning that the leaf is oxidized until 30% is red and 70% remains green. Why is it called "Monkey-Picked"? From the steep mountains of China's Fujian Province, this tea's name recalls legends of a time when trained monkeys were employed to pluck leaves from the highest-growing wild tea plants in this region. This highly aromatic, dark-roasted oolong is delightfully sweet and smooth with a light, fruity aftertaste. A must-try for oolong lovers---now monkey-free. Use 1 teaspoon per cup and steep 1-5 minutes in near boiling water. Leaves may be re-infused several times.
 

Shalimar Oolong Tea

$ 8.50 USD

Shalimar Oolong Tea is a lovely Formosa (referring to Taiwan) Oolong with a light passion fruit flavor. Won 2nd place at the World Tea Expo 2008 Flavored Oolong competition! Ingredients: Oolong tea from Taiwan, aronia berries, dried mango, rose petals and flavoring. Use 1 tsp. per cup and steep 2-3 minutes in steaming water.

 

Wu Yi Yan Cha Oolong Tea

$ 50.00 USD

Wu Yi Yan Cha Oolong Tea is China's famous cliff tea, grown in the legendary Wu Yi mountains in the Fujian Province. Long, hand-rolled leaves are pan-fired at their aromatic peak, then charcoal-fired in small batches to produce the dark green color and rich, complex flavor. One of China's "Ten Most Famous Teas." Steep 1 heaping tsp. of leaves 1-3 minutes in steaming water. This tea is only in stock periodically as available.
 

Make a free website with Yola