Chinese Oolong Tea (China Oriental Beauty)

This very rare Chinese Oolong Tea consists of a large brown leaf with an excellent golden tip. Its flavour is noted as light and smooth with bold herbaceous overtones, quite simply as ‘beautiful’ as you would expect. All oolong teas no matter where they come from are slightly fermented and semi-oxidised meaning they quite literally sit in between black teas and green teas in terms of overall profile and characteristics.

This makes for an excellent cup of tea, with China Oriental Beauty Oolong Tea showcasing the best of the best. There are also health benefits to drinking this brew which include improved digestive health, stronger bones, and weight loss capabilities.

China is the home of Oolong Tea. This likely dates back thousands of years, although no one really knows its true origins. There are many theories dating from as early as the 10th century to as late as the 17th century, however, outside of speculation, very little is known for sure. One theory put forward by historians suggests that Oolong Tea and its now-well-known name were created during the Song Dynasty (906 - 1279 CE).

It is said that Chinese Emperors of the time were presented with tribute teas, with one particular tea originating from the Beiyuan garden in the Fujian Province. This particular tea garden was known for a special compressed tea cake with an imprint of a phoenix and a dragon. Despite its original popularity, it was eventually cast aside in favour of loose leaf teas. In a desperate attempt to remain topical, the Beiyuan tea garden began to produce a darker leaf tea which became known as Wu Long, meaning ‘black dragon’. Through a centuries-long game of Chinese whispers, ‘Wu Long’ became ‘Oolong’ or so the story states.

Another theory originates from the Wuyi Mountains of the Fujian Province, while yet another comes from the Anxi County, which is also in the Fujian Province. The latter has two versions of the same legend. The first claims that the origins of Oolong can be pinpointed to the escapades of one man and a deadly serpent. According to the tale, the alleged creator of Oolong Tea had been a humble farmer tending to his crop before he found himself confronted by a poisonous snake. In his fear, the farmer dropped his tea leaves, and when he returned the following day, he found that the leaves had oxidised.

In his curiosity, the farmer tried brewing up the leaves, and much to his surprise, he loved the resulting beverage. The second version of this story replaces the snake with a deer. The farmer, meanwhile, had also been an avid hunter, and when he spied the creature, he decided to pursue it. Carrying his tea leaves in a basket on his back, the farmer was unsuccessful in hunting his dinner. However, when he returned home, he found that the leaves had been bruised, which had, in turn, caused them to oxidise. Then the farmer may not have had much to eat that night, but he certainly had a brand new tea to enjoy. Whether you believe these stories or not, one thing is for sure: Chinese Oolong Tea is now enjoyed around the world.

Type of Tea: Loose Leaf Oolong Tea.

Origins: China.

Brewing Instructions: Brew using freshly boiled water left to cool to temperatures between 80 and 90 degrees. Following this, infuse for 2 to 3 minutes.

How to Serve: Milk or lemon make delicious accompaniments with this tea. However, The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company recommend this beverage served as it is.

Tasting Notes: This tea offers fresh, smooth, and floral tastes, similar to its aroma. An earthy aftertaste follows soon after, making it an excellent choice for afternoon drinking.

Colour in Cup: Golden-yellow liquor, light in tone.

Health Benefits of Oolong Tea: If you are treating yourself to a big meal tonight, why not consider enjoying China Oriental Beauty Oolong Tea alongside it to improve digestion? In China, this beverage is known as “Chinese Restaurant Tea” owing to its ability to help alkalize the digestive tract, reduce inflammation, and generally make your tummy feel better! This beverage is also slightly antiseptic, meaning that when consumed hot, China Oriental Beauty Tea can clear bad bacteria from the stomach.