Formosa Winter Oolong

Description

If you love Oolong tea as much as we do, take a moment with us to express our gratitude to the good people of Taiwan: "Duo sa!" (That's how you say thank you in the local dialect.) Despite the small size of the island nation, the Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports that Taiwan produces some 20% of the world's Oolong supply. So just how does a country no bigger than Delaware and Maryland combined produce so much tea? The answer can be found in one word: efficiency.
In order to make the best use of the small amount of land available for their purposes, Taiwanese growers have perfected a system that combines artistry and science in a way that is unparalleled in the wider world of agriculture. As an example, let's examine the difference between spring and winter harvest Oolong.

To be considered premium export quality, tea leaves need exposure to an abundance of sunlight and warmth during the day, followed by low temperatures at night. This yin and yang-like balance preserves the freshness of new shoots and lends a brisk, snappy quality to the finished product.

In order to maximize the benefits of sunlight and cool temperatures, plucking takes place at different elevations, at different times of day, during different times of year. In springtime, bushes at low elevations are plucked in the morning. In winter, bushes at higher elevations are plucked first. In order to perfect the process and maximize their yield of premium leaf, Taiwanese planters must be highly in tune with nature, "feeling" the weather, as they wait for the precise day to make the switch each year.

The result of all this waiting and plucking is Oolong tea that consistently dazzles the taste buds and soothes the soul. This Formosa Winter Oolong is a perfect example. In the cup, the liquor exhibits a full, round body with floral notes that hearken back to the mountainsides on which it was grown. As we said earlier, "Duo sa!"

Steeping Instructions

PRODUCT TYPE: Loose - Flavored Oolong Tea

IDEAL BREWING TEMPERATURE: 85ºC/185ºF. For Food Safety reasons bring water to 100ºC/212ºF and let it cool down to 85ºC/185ºF.

ANTIOXIDANT BENEFIT: For a greater antioxidant benefit brew longer and use more tea.

FOOD SAFETY ADVISORY: We strongly recommend using filtered or freshly drawn cold water brought to a rolling boil when brewing all types of tea. Today's water has been known to carry viruses, parasites and bacteria. Boiling the water will kill these elements and reduce the potential incidence of water-borne illnesses.

Epic Iced Tea Instructions

Tea isn't just served hot!  Iced tea is one of the most refreshing and natural thirst quenchers around the world.  Here is our suggested method of brewing the best iced tea.

ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Pitcher): (To Make 1 Liter/Quart):

1. Place 6 slightly heaping teaspoons of loose tea or 6 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the tea.
3. Steep for 5 minutes.
4. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water.
5. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea or removing the bags.
6. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
7. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase
8. the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.

Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.

ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Individual Serving):

1. Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea or 1 tea bag into a teapot for each serving required.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the tea.
3. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes.
4. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea or removing the bags.
5. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving.
6. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted.

Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.

HERB & FRUIT ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Pitcher): (To Make 1 Liter/Quart):

1. Place 12 slightly heaping teaspoons of herb & fruit blend or 6 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the herb & fruit blend.
3. Steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water.
5. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea or removing the tea bags.
6. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
7. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced herb & fruit tea is to increase the strength of hot brew since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.

HERB & FRUIT ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Individual Serving):

1. Place 2 slightly heaping teaspoons of herb & fruit blend or 1 tea bag into a teapot for each serving required.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the herb & fruit blend.
3. Cover and let steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea or removing the bags.
5. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
6. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed herb & fruit tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted.