Jade Oolong Tea

This is an exceptional Formosa Oolong Tea from the Nantou district of Taiwan. When brewed, its semi-fermented leaves boast a fresh, smooth taste with subtle notes reminiscent of fruit. It can also offer Oolong Tea benefits when consumed as part of a healthy and active lifestyle. Such benefits include improved cardiovascular health and a reduced risk of type-2 diabetes.

Early History of Formosa Oolong Tea

Our Jade Oolong Tea is just one of the hundreds of Formosa Teas grown in present-day Taiwan. "Formosa" was the original name of Taiwan before colonisation. It means "beautiful island", which is also an adjective well-suited to all Formosa Oolong Teas, particularly Jade Oolong Tea.

The potential for a Formosan Tea Industry began through the Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC), a Dutch trading company founded in 1602. The VOC started trading in Formosan commodities such as deer hides, sugar and rice.

During the early Chinese Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), however, mass immigration from the Chinese mainland saw Tea farmers arrive in Formosa. The VOC encouraged this immigration, believing that the Tea knowledge brought over by these farmers could increase their profits.

A 1645 VOC Governor's report states that wild Tea grew in the central mountain region of Formosa during this period. This became the starting point for widespread Tea cultivation across the island. However, in 1662, the Chinese expelled the Dutch from Formosa.

More Recent History

Unfortunately, the Qing Dynasty did little to monopolise the island's Tea production. The industry remained in a state of stagnation until 1860, when a Scotsman named John Dodd saw its commercial potential. He provided loans to farmers in northern Formosa to increase their Tea production.

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 Formosa's primary export. However, during the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895), enemy forces occupied the nearby Penghu islands. Formosa found itself cut off from the Chinese mainland. This led to China ceding control of Formosa to Japan.

The Japanese distanced themselves from Oolong Tea, instead favouring Black Tea production on the island. Despite the setback, the Japanese also helped the industry as a whole to expand. In the early 20th Century, they established The Tea Research Institute of Taiwan. This institute saw scientists and Tea masters conduct studies to help improve the efficiency of Tea plantations.

After the Second World War (1939-1945), Taiwan changed hands back to the Chinese. However, the Chinese Civil War created a new controversy that persists today regarding the status of the island. Despite this uncertainty, Taiwan has returned to widespread Oolong Tea production. Our Jade Oolong Tea is indeed one of the best examples.

Useful Information 

Type of Tea: Oolong Tea.

Origin: Nantou County, Taiwan.

Brewing Instructions: Brew with fresh water at temperatures between 75 and 80 degrees. Infuse for 2 to 3 minutes, being sure not to burn or over-brew the leaves.

How to Serve: This Tea tastes best served without any accompaniments.

Tasting Notes: Jade Oolong Tea consists of refreshingly smooth, sweet and grassy flavours.

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

Benefits of Jade Oolong Tea 

Did you know that less than 2% of the world's Tea drinkers choose Oolong? Nevertheless, this may imminently change thanks to new studies on Oolong Tea benefits. Most famously, researchers suggest that this Tea can improve digestive health.

This is because it can alkalise the digestive tract while reducing inflammation. Ultimately, it makes for an excellent choice for those who experience acid reflux and ulcer problems.