Oolong Tea Brewing

Choose one of our high-grade oolong teas from China or Taiwan (Formosa). Choose your brew method. If you are trying a new tea for the first time, we suggest you adopt the multiple-brew method of reusing the leaves.

Single-serve brew method:

You serve once at the end of the brewing time to achieve maximum flavour.

Multiple-serve brew method: 

You serve and refill the teapot once or twice during the brewing time. Simply refill or top-up the teapot after each serve.
Each serve has its own distinct character.
First serve highlights aroma.
Second serve strengthens the flavour.
Third serve tastes sweeter and stronger. Not all teas will take a third serve.

Teawares:

For oolong teas a smaller earthenware teapot is best.
Size to suit the number of cups needed.
Small 100ml shallow drinking bowls are best.

The water:

Choose pure, fresh water.
Boil the water.
Pre warm the teapot and drinking bowls with boiling water.

Measure: 

1 level teaspoon (1.5-2gm) of tea per 100ml small drinking bowl.
1 heaped teaspoon (3-4gm) of tea per 200ml cup or large drinking bowl.
Vary the quantity to suit your taste.

Single-serve brew:

Oolongs need only 1.5-2 minutes.
Pour hot water 85-88degC, over the leaves and time the brew.

Multiple-serve brew:

First serve after 30 seconds-highlights aroma
Refill teapot with hot water
Second serve strengthens the flavour
If the flavour is still improving, refill teapot with hot water
Third brew tastes sweeter with a stronger flavour.

Serving:

Oolongs take no milk or sugar.

Note:

Do not use boiling water, or you will scald the delicate leaf qualities which give oolong tea its flavour.