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Oolong Teas

Also known as partially or semi-fermented teas the oolongs have some of the qualities of both black and green teas. The flavor is smoother than black tea, but less grassy than green tea. At their best, oolongs are beautiful, full-bodied teas with a fragrant flavor and fruity, sweet aroma. The vast majority of oolongs come from China and Formosa (Taiwan), where the finest varieties are still handmade following the traditional manufacturing process.

The production of Oolong Tea (Semi-fermented)

Almost exclusively produced in China and Formosa (Taiwan), oolong teas fall between the unfermented green teas and the fully fermented black teas. They are processed to be full-bodied teas and are therefore made from larger, more mature leaves.

Immediately upon plucking, the leaves are spread out in direct sunlight to wither for about 30-40 minutes. Withering reduces the moisture content and softens the leaves. The leaves are then put into bamboo baskets and shaken briskly to bruise the leaf edges. In the next step, the leaves are spread out in the shade or indoors to dry for about 6-8 hours. The process of shaking and spreading of the leaves is repeated numerous times. The bruised leaf edges begin to turn red through the oxidation process (fermentation) while the centers of the leaves remain green.

The amount of fermentation depends on the type of oolong and can vary from approximately 20% for a "green" oolong, to 60% for a classic Formosa oolong. Once the desired level of oxidation/ “fermentation” is reached, the process must be halted immediately. This is done by pan-firing the leaves at high temperatures to kill the enzyme in the leaf, which results in further oxidation.


Oolong Teas Also known as partially or semi-fermented teas the oolongs have some of the qualities of both black and green teas. The flavor is smoother than black tea, but less grassy than green tea. At their best, oolongs are beautiful, full-bodied teas with a fragrant flavor and fruity, sweet aroma. The vast majority of oolongs come from China and Formosa (Taiwan), where the finest varieties are still handmade following the traditional manufacturing process. The production of Oolong Tea (Semi-fermented) Almost exclusively produced in China and Formosa (Taiwan), oolong teas fall between the unfermented green teas and the fully fermented black teas. They are processed to be full-bodied teas and are therefore made from larger, more mature leaves. Immediately upon plucking, the leaves are spread out in direct sunlight to wither for about 30-40 minutes. Withering reduces the moisture content and softens the leaves. The leaves are then put into bamboo baskets and shaken briskly to bruise the leaf edges. In the next step, the leaves are spread out in the shade or indoors to dry for about 6-8 hours. The process of shaking and spreading of the leaves is repeated numerous times. The bruised leaf edges begin to turn red through the oxidation process (fermentation) while the centers of the leaves remain green. The amount of fermentation depends on the type of oolong and can vary from approximately 20% for a "green" oolong, to 60% for a classic Formosa oolong. Once the desired level of oxidation/ “fermentation” is reached, the process must be halted immediately. This is done by pan-firing the leaves at high temperatures to kill the enzyme in the leaf, which results in further oxidation.