Oolong Tea

Traditianally manufactured in China and Taiwan, oolong is a semi fermented tea combining the best qualities from black and green tea. In order to give a rich flavour, fresh shoots with one new bud and three leaves are gathered and are immediately processed. First the leaves are wilted in warm air and then they are shaken in bamboo baskets so that the edges of the leaves become slightly bruised. This means that there will be a certain amount of oxidation during the susequent processing. The most important stage of production is to discern the exact moment necessary to cease futher fermantation, which is done by rapidly heating leaves sufficiently fermented. Furthermore, rolling takes place in order to release the aroma and flavour. Finally, the tea is dried over charcoal stoves.