Formosa Ruby Black Oolong Tea

If you think the name sounds enticing, just wait until you’ve tried this delicious tea. After all, Formosa Ruby Black Oolong Tea is known and loved for its bold, almost pine-like flavours that cleanse the palate with every sip.

This beverage originates from Taiwan, a country acclaimed for its oolong tea production and like all oolong teas, Formosa Ruby Black Oolong Tea is slightly fermented and semi-oxidised. This essentially means that it sits squarely in the middle between black tea and green tea, which for many, is considered “just right”. So wait no longer; try Formosa Ruby Black Oolong Tea today, you honestly won’t regret it.

The history of Oolong Tea begins in China, not Taiwan, although aside from that, little is known outside of speculation. One theory suggests that Oolong Tea was created as a tribute to reigning emperors during the Song Dynasty (906 - 1279 CE). Another theory suggests that Oolong Tea was first created in the Wuyi Mountains of the Fujian Province in China.

Then there are two legends originating from the Anxi County, again in the Fujian Province. The first legend refers to a man harvesting his tea before finding himself confronted by a deadly serpent. Fear quickly took hold of the man as he made a hasty retreat, dropping his tea leaves in the process. When he returned the following day, he found that these leaves had oxidised, and in his curiosity, he decided to brew them in hot water and try it. The result was unexpected, yet delicious.

The second legend is very similar, except instead of a snake, the man was apparently distracted by a deer. Keen to hunt his dinner, the man followed suit with his basket of tea leaves on his back. As he trudged through the forest, however, the leaves were shaken and bruised from the pursuit, causing them to oxidise. When he returned with the tea leaves, he noticed that something unusual had happened to them. He decided to try them anyway, and as a result, was the first man to ever try Oolong Tea.

Of course, all of these theories could just be fictitious stories, but when it comes to Oolong Tea from Taiwan, things are a little different. This is because tea was not introduced to the country until the 19th Century when Taiwan was still known as Formosa and was still part of China.

In 1866, a British trader named John Dodd began championing Taiwanese teas on the world market. His escapades took place during the Chinese Qing Dynasty (1644 to 1912); a time of great political upheaval in mainland China. But this had little impact on the tea trade, which at the time, was booming. Large-scale industrialisation later swept through Formosa following the Japanese occupation of the island in 1895.

With industrialisation came mechanisation, and soon after, humble family-owned tea gardens were converted into mass producing factory farms. Even after the end of the Imperialist Japanese conquest in 1945, and the independence movement that followed, Formosa’s tea trade continued to grow. Little has changed today in Taiwan, now largely considered an independent nation unto itself.

Type of Tea: Loose Leaf Oolong Tea.

Origin: Taiwan.

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: Lemon or honey may be considered. Alternatively, this tea is best served without any accompaniments.

Tasting Notes: This brew boasts a fresh malty aroma and an equally scrumptious flavour. Delicate and smooth to the last drop, Formosa Ruby Black Oolong Tea has woody and chocolatey notes with sweet undertones.

Colour in Cup: Coppery liquor with golden highlights, light in tone.

Health Benefits of Oolong: Formosa Ruby Black Oolong Tea is a great choice for losing weight. Recent studies have indicated that the frequent consumption of tea can actually boost the metabolism; helping you to burn fat quicker and far more efficiently during periods of exercise.