Your Tea Garden

How to Brew Oolong Tea Easily

Brewing Oolong tea is a fascinating experience for the senses. It invites you on a journey of discovery through a variety of flavors that change with every infusion. Plus: Oolong tea is not only a treat for the palate, but also beneficial for your health.

This article gives you a good insight into everything you need to know about brewing Oolong tea: the ideal brewing time, temperature and quantity for an excellent Oolong tea. I will introduce you to two different preparation methods: a simple, quick method and the traditional Chinese Gong Fu Cha method. And once you’ve learned how to prepare Oolong tea, this article will also give you valuable tasting tips to enrich your tea enjoyment.

how to prepare oolong tea<br>

What is Oolong tea?

Oolong tea, loved for its rich and complex flavor, has its origins in the famous tea-growing regions of China and Taiwan. Oolong tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant, similar to green tea, black tea and white tea. The characteristic taste and health benefits of Oolong tea result from a special oxidation process that lies between that of green and black tea. This medium oxidation stage ensures that Oolong teas can develop a broad spectrum of aromas. After harvesting, the tea leaves are first left to wither and then further processed by rolling and oxidation.

There is a big variety of Oolong teas that differ in taste and production. For newcomers to the world of Oolongs, I recommend varieties such as Tie Guan Yin* or Dong Ding*, which are known for their balanced and accessible taste. In another article you will find recommendations for high-quality Oolong teas and tips on how to recognize their quality.

Order Oolong Tea - Oriental Beauty directly here!

Oolong Tea - Oriental Beauty

19.95 €

100g

Tobias

how to prepare oolong tea

Oolong tea is best enjoyed with careful and conscious preparation. The traditional Chinese gongfu cha method attaches great importance to careful preparation, paying close attention to the water temperature and infusion time. The aim is to allow the full flavor and effect of the oolong tea to develop.

Although the Gongfu Cha style is deeply rooted in Chinese tea culture, the Western style offers a simple alternative. This method uses fewer tea leaves for a longer infusion time, extracting all the flavors at once. But this can mask subtler nuances of taste.

Despite the simplicity of the Western-style method, I recommend trying the traditional style. It is the best way to brew Oolong tea. With this method, Oolong teas can develop new flavor facets with every infusion. By using less water and more Oolong tea leaves, the infusion time can be shortened, resulting in a greater number of infusions, each of which brings out different flavors of the tea. Using loose leaf Oolong ensures that you get the best tea experience.

Oolong Tee Preparation with a pot and 3 cups<br>

Oolong Tea: Temperature

Compared to green tea or black tea, you can prepare oolong tea with both medium and high water temperatures. The best temperature to use is determined by the color of the tea leaves. As a rule of thumb, temperatures between 80-90°C are suitable for lighter oxidized oolongs (more green leaves, e.g. Dong Ding Oolong) in order to emphasize the finer, flowery aromas. For more heavily oxidized dark oolong teas, temperatures of up to 100°C can be used to release the deeper, more intense flavours.

Tip: It is extremely helpful to have a kettle where you can adjust the temperature.
If you do not have a kettle where you can adjust the temperature, you can use the following trick to directly reach the ideal temperature for green oolong teas: Mix one quarter room temperature water to three quarters boiling water to get a final temperature of around 80-85°C.

Oolong Steeping Time

When brewing Oolong tea, you should keep an eye on the time. If it steeps for too long, Oolong tea tends to become bitter and astringent. You will normally find information about the infusion time on the tea packaging. This time usually refers to the Western way of preparing tea. The longer steeping times often result in fewer infusions and can affect the spectrum of aromas of the brewed tea.
The quantity of tea leaves and the steeping time must always be in a balanced ratio in order to get the best cup of Oolong tea. So if you choose a brewing time of 2-3 minutes, you should use a maximum of 2 teaspoons of leaves for one cup. In contrast, the steeping time must be drastically reduced if you choose the traditional brewing method, where you use 2-3 times as many tea leaves. Regardless of which method you choose, in both cases the brewing time increases with each infusion.

However, you don’t have to make a science out of it. Brewing Oolong tea offers scope for experimentation. You can vary the steeping times and temperature to find the ideal taste for you.

How to brew Oolong Tea with an Easy Method

– Take about 2-3 grams of tea (2-4 teaspoons) and put them in a pot or tea strainer.

– Pour 250 ml (8,5 oz) of water over the leaves at a temperature of 80 – 100 °C (176 – 212 ℉).

– Leave the tea to infuse for 2-3 minutes.

– You can make 2-3 infusions, increasing the infusion time by one minute each time.

The best way to Brew Oolong tea

– It’s best to use a clay pot or a porcelain gaiwan. But they can both be expensive or hard to handle. A great easy and cheap option for beginners are glass pots.

– Take 7-9 grams of tea leaves (6-10 teaspoons) per 150 ml of water.

– Heat the water to 80 – 100 °C (176 – 212 ℉)

– Optional: Preheat the empty pot by briefly pouring hot water into it and then pouring it off again. This allows the aromas to develop better in the first infusion.

– The first short infusion serves to “wash” the leaves. Pour hot water over the tea leaves in the pot and pour off again after about 5 seconds. You can use the poured water to preheat the cups.

– For the first proper infusion, leave the tea to infuse for 25-30 seconds.

– When pouring, make sure to distribute the tea evenly between the cups. Fill the cups alternately to ensure an even flavor intensity (the last sips you pour out are significantly more intense than the first). Alternatively, you can pour the tea into a decanter (also known as a gong dao bei) first.

– Enjoy your delicious drink and repeat the process until the leaves no longer give off any flavor. High-quality oolong tea allows at least 5-8 infusions, often even more.

– Extend the infusion time by 5-10 seconds for each additional infusion.

Choosing the Right Water

The quality of the water is crucial for the taste of your Oolong, as it makes up 99% of the finished beverage. When preparing Oolong tea, soft, low-mineral water is ideal to emphasize the tea’s diverse aromas. Fresh water with a high oxygen content is preferable. Note that water loses oxygen every time it is boiled.

To get the most out of the flavor of your Oolong tea, I recommend filtered water or bottled mineral water, especially if the tap water in your area is hard.

Brew Oolong Tea: Choice of water

Tasting Tips

The traditional Gong Fu Cha preparation of Oolong tea also includes consciously savoring the tea, making it a delightful way to drink tea. Leave the tea in your mouth for a few seconds and pay attention to the different flavors. Can you detect floral, fruity or nutty aromas? Perhaps the brew also reminds you of the scent of fresh flowers, wet mineral rocks or cut wood? With their variety of aromas, Oolong teas offer a taste experience in which you can discover many different nuances.

Try to avoid disturbing smells and distractions so that you can focus entirely on the experience of the tea. One trick to perceive the taste more intensely is retro-nasal tasting: Breathe out through your nose while the tea is in your mouth to discover nuances that you didn’t notice before.

It is exciting to watch the aromas unfold with each infusion. Smell the warmed leaves after pouring and enjoy the wonderful fragrance.

After a few infusions, you may notice a pleasant effect on your body. Oolong teas often have a relaxing effect that can range from a slight sense of relaxation to invigorating energy. Tea contains L-Theanine, an amino acid that has a calming effect and can positively influence brain function. L-Theanine promotes relaxation without fatigue and can also stimulate dopamine production. At the same time, the caffeine stimulates and wakes you up.

How to Store Oolong Tea

Proper storage of Oolong tea is crucial to preserve its quality and flavor. Store it in a cool, dark and dry place. The original packaging is usually good for storing the tea for longer periods of time.

It is important to protect the tea from foreign odors, as tea absorbs odors quickly. The kitchen is therefore often not the best place to store tea, especially if the tea packaging is not completely sealed. Under the right conditions, Oolong tea can be stored for many years or even decades, allowing its flavors to develop. In my private collection, I have Oolongs dating back to 1986.

Summary

Oolongs are a versatile and exciting specialty that will delight beginners and connoisseurs alike. In addition to its health benefits, Oolong tea offers a wide range of taste experiences. Careful Oolong tea preparation and tasting are key to unlocking its full potential. The traditional Gong Fu Cha method is the best way to brew Oolong tea as it allows you to enjoy a variety of infusions and experience the different flavor profiles of Oolong.

If you are unsure which type of Oolong tea to choose, you can also read my Article with detailed recommendations on different types of Oolong tea and tips on how to choose high-quality teas that suit your personal taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to prepare Oolong tea?

The water should be heated to around 85-95°C. Place the tea leaves in a tea strainer or directly into the teapot. Pour the hot water over the leaves and leave the tea to infuse for 1-5 minutes, depending on the desired strength and the specific type of oolong.

How long should you let Oolong tea steep?

Oolong tea should steep for between 1 and 5 minutes, depending on the variety and personal preference. Lighter Oolongs tend to require shorter infusion times, while darker, stronger varieties can infuse for longer.

How do you drink oolong tea?

Oolong tea is best enjoyed slowly and in small sips to appreciate its full aroma and flavor nuances. It can be drunk straight to appreciate its natural flavors, or with a little sweetener if desired.

Can you steep oolong tea more than once?

High-quality Oolong tea can be infused several times, at least 3-5 times, with each infusion releasing unique flavors. Very high-quality Oolongs even offer up to 10 infusions.

How many cups of Oolong tea should you drink a day?

The amount of Oolong tea you can drink daily depends on individual health factors and caffeine sensitivity. In general, it is recommended not to consume more than 3-4 cups per day to avoid possible side effects of too much caffeine.

Do you boil water for Oolong tea?

The ideal water temperature for oolong tea is between 85°C and 95°C. Lighter oolongs tend to prefer the cooler end of this spectrum, while darker, stronger varieties can tolerate hotter water.

What is the shelf life of oolong tea?

It depends on the variety. Green oolongs stay fresh for at least 18 to 24 months if stored correctly. Dark oolongs are sometimes matured for several decades to further develop their flavor. Keep the tea in a cool, dry place and in an airtight container.

Can Oolong tea be made into iced tea?

Yes, Oolong tea is well suited to be made into iced tea by brewing it hot and then allowing it to cool before serving over ice. The creamy sweetness and fruity aromas really come into their own.

Order Oolong Tea - Oriental Beauty directly here!

Oolong Tea - Oriental Beauty

19.95 €

100g

Tobias