The best oolong teas come from Taiwan and China. Look especially for those labeled Formosa Oolong Tea from Taiwan. Connoisseurs consider Formosas to be some of the best.
Oolong teas can be re-steeped multiple times; in fact, many people believe that the second and third infusions are even more flavorful than the first. An added benefit is that any additional infusions will be naturally caffeine-free. To re-steep oolong tea leaves, simply add more hot water and set the timer for a longer period of time. Six minutes is a good starting point for a second infusion, but feel free to experiment with different times to get the best results.
How to Make a Great Pot of Organic Oolong Tea
- Measure the amount of water needed. A good rule of thumb is to plan on using 6 to 8 ounces of water per cup of tea. For larger mugs, plan on needing 10 to 12 ounces of water per mug.
- Bring the water to the boiling point using a stovetop pot, electric kettle, or microwave.
- Measure the organic oolong tea leaves. Use about 1 teaspoon or 3 grams of oolong tea leaves per cup.
- Add the loose leaf oolong tea leaves to a teapot or other steeping device.
- Remove the boiling water from its heat source and allow it to cool approximately 30 to 45 seconds. Oolong tea tastes best when it is steeped with water which is around 180-190 degrees Fahrenheit. A brief cooling period should bring the water to this temperature range.
- Pour the hot water over the oolong tea leaves.
- Set a kitchen timer for 4 minutes.
- Remove the tea leaves, and pour the tea into individual cups or mugs.
- Sweeten, if desired, with honey or a bit of sugar.
- Enjoy! Organic oolong tea is lower in caffeine than black tea and has antioxidant levels that are similar to those of green teas. It tastes great and is a healthy way to indulge at the end of a long day.
TIP: Organic oolong tea bags are okay if that is all that's available, but generally, loose leaf teas are better. The reason for this is because tea bags often use inferior leaves and do not give the leaves adequate room to move freely in the steeping water. The more contact the leaves have with the hot water, the more flavor and antioxidants will be extracted.
TIP: Organic oolong tea is even healthier than regular oolong tea because it has not been sprayed with potentially harmful pesticides. Organic oolong tea may be difficult to find locally, but is easily procured from many online vendors.
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