Jade Oolong Tea

Jade Oolong Tea is one of the best Oolong Teas available from Taiwan. We love it and know that you will, too. Like all Oolong Teas, Jade Oolong Tea is a semi-fermented tea best described as a beverage somewhere in between Green Tea and Black Tea. This particular Oolong is grown in the Nantou distinct of Taiwan and uses only the best spring pickings of the season.

When brewed, Jade Oolong Tea is a gentle green infusion with a fresh, smooth taste with fruity undertones. It is of the highest quality and can also deliver some truly amazing health benefits. Potentially improve your everyday way of life with Jade Oolong Tea and experience improved digestive and cardiovascular health as well as a reduced risk of developing Type II Diabetes. Furthermore, Jade Oolong Tea can boost the metabolism, helping your body to burn fat quicker and more efficiently. The possibilities are nearly endless. Better still, however, Jade Oolong Tea tastes great and makes an excellent start to the day.

Taiwan produces some of the most sought-after teas in the world, particularly Oolong Teas. Its journey in the world of tea began with the Dutch East India Company, also known as the VOC (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie). The Dutch East India Company was founded in 1602 and played a major role in the European colonisation of Asia, establishing trading posts from South Africa to Japan.

The Dutch saw the potential of the island of Taiwan, then Formosa, as a profitable source of products such as deer hides, sugar, rice, and later tea. Immigration was encouraged by the VOC, particularly from China as Chinese Immigrants from the Fujian province brought with them their knowledge of tea-growing. The VOC Governor’s Report of 1645 mentions that wild tea was found growing in the central mountain region of Taiwan and over the course of time, cultivation of tea spread.

But in 1662 the Dutch were expelled from the island by the Chinese, who in turn ruled Formosa during the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1912). For hundreds of years, Formosa’s Tea industry stagnated under Chinese rule. It was not until the 19th Century that tea cultivation again spread and then developed. Shortly after 1860, a Scotsman named John Dodd saw the commercial potential of Taiwanese Tea, providing loans to farmers in north Taiwan to increase their production of tea. It was the boost that the industry needed. Tea exports grew from 180,000 pounds in 1865 to more than 16 million pounds in 1885. By the end of the 19th Century, tea was Taiwan’s primary export.

However, a change was on the wind and during the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895), Japanese forces occupied the Penghu Islands off the west coast of Taiwan, cutting off the island from mainland China and as a result, forcing the hand of the Chinese, who ceded control of Taiwan to Japan. The Japanese increased the production of Black Tea while continuing exports of Oolong Tea as well. In many ways, the Japanese helped Taiwan’s Tea Industry to grow even further, and in 1926, the Tea Research Institute of Taiwan was established. The institute aimed to explore agricultural methods to maximise tea yields and to develop new tea varietal specifically suited to Taiwan. Several of these varietals remain popular to this day, including Jade Oolong Tea!

Despite ongoing controversy, Taiwan is considered by many to now be an independent country. Its Tea Industry, meanwhile, remains an asset to the country, as does Jade Oolong Tea.

Type of Tea: Loose Leaf Oolong Tea.

Origin: The Nantou County, 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: This beverage is best served as it is.

Tasting Notes: Jade Oolong Tea consists of a sweet almost floral aroma. Its taste, meanwhile, is equally sweet while also smooth and refreshing with grassy undertones.

Colour in Cup: Bright yellow liquor with greenish highlights, light in tone.

Benefits of Oolong Tea: This may be a Taiwanese Oolong Tea, but all Oolong Teas have a nickname: “Chinese Restaurant Tea”. But why? Jade Oolong Tea can improve digestive health, especially when consumed before, during, and after large meals. And how? It can alkalise the digestive tract, reducing inflammation in those who suffer from acid reflux and ulcer problems. Furthermore, Jade Oolong Tea is slightly antiseptic, meaning that when consumed hot, this beverage can clear bad bacteria from the stomach.